Acid Reflux Disease, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, And Prevention!
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Understanding Acid Reflux “Ger Or Gerd” Causes, Symptoms, And Prevention:
What Is Ger?
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) happens when your stomach contents come back up into your esophagus. Stomach acid that touches the lining of your esophagus can cause heartburn, also called acid indigestion.
Doctors also refer to GER as Acid:
- Indigestion.
- Reflux.
- Regurgitation.
- Heartburn.
- REFLUX.
How common is GER?
Having GER once in a while is common.
GERD Is,
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious and long-lasting form of GER.
The difference between GER and GERD:
- GER that occurs more than twice a week for a few weeks could be GERD.
- GERD can lead to more serious health problems over time.
- If you think you have GERD, you should see your doctor.
How common is GERD?
GERD affects about 20 percent of the U.S. population.
Who is more likely to have GERD?
Anyone can develop GERD, some for unknown reasons. You are more likely to have GERD if you are:
- Overweight or obese.
- A pregnant woman.
- Taking certain medicines
- A smoker or regularly exposed to secondhand smoke.
Complications of GERD:
Without treatment, GERD can sometimes cause serious complications over time, such as:
1. Esophagitis:
Esophagitis is inflammation in the esophagus. Adults who have chronic esophagitis over many years are more likely to develop precancerous changes in the esophagus.
2. Esophageal stricture:
An esophageal stricture happens when your esophagus becomes too narrow. Esophageal strictures can lead to problems with swallowing.
3. Respiratory problems:
With GERD you might breathe stomach acid into your lungs. The stomach acid can then irritate your throat and lungs, causing respiratory problems, such as:
- Asthma —a long-lasting disease in your lungs that makes you extra sensitive to things that you’re allergic to,
- Chest congestion, or extra fluid in your lungs.
- A dry, long-lasting cough or a sore throat.
- Hoarseness—the partial loss of your voice.
- Laryngitis—the swelling of your voice box that can lead to a short-term loss of your voice.
- Pneumonia—an infection in one or both of your lungs—that keeps coming back.
- Wheezing—a high-pitched whistling sound when you breathe.
4. Barrett’s esophagus:
GERD can sometimes cause Barrett’s esophagus. A small number of people with Barrett’s esophagus develop a rare yet often deadly type of cancer of the esophagus. If you have GERD, talk with your doctor about how to prevent or treat long-term problems.
Signs and Symptoms of Ger:
What are the symptoms of GER and GERD?
If you have gastroesophageal reflux (GER), you may taste food or stomach acid in the back of your mouth.
The most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is regular heartburn, a painful, burning feeling in the middle of your chest, behind your breastbone, and in the middle of your abdomen. Not all adults with GERD have heartburn.
Other common GERD symptoms include:
- Bad breath.
- Nausea.
- Pain in your chest or the upper part of your abdomen.
- Problems swallowing or painful swallowing.
- Respiratory problems.
- Vomiting.
- The wearing away from your teeth.
Some symptoms of GERD come from its complications, including those that affect your lungs.
Causes:
What causes GER and GERD?
GER and GERD happen when your lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak or relaxes when it shouldn’t, causing stomach contents to rise up into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak or relaxes due to certain things, such as:
- Increased pressure on your abdomen from being overweight, obese, or pregnant
- Certain medicines, including:
- Those that doctors use to treat asthma —a long-lasting disease in your lungs That makes you extra sensitive to things that you’re allergic to,
- Calcium channel blockers—medicines that treat high blood pressure.
- Antihistamines—medicines that treat allergy symptoms.
- Painkillers.
- Sedatives—medicines that help put you to sleep.
- Antidepressants —medicines that treat depression.
- Smoking, or inhaling secondhand smoke.
A hiatal hernia can also cause GERD. Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the opening in your diaphragm lets the upper part of the stomach move up into your chest, which lowers the pressure in the esophageal sphincter.
When should I seek a doctor’s help?
You should see a doctor if you have persistent GER symptoms that do not get better with over-the-counter medications or change in your diet.
Call a doctor right away if you:
- Vomit large amounts
- Have a regular projectile, or forceful, vomiting
- Vomit fluid that is,
- Green or yellow.
- It looks like coffee grounds.
- Contains blood.
- Have:
- Problems breathing after vomiting.
- Pain in the mouth or throat when you eat.
- Problems swallowing or painful swallowing.
Diagnosis of Ger And Gerd:
How do doctors diagnose GER?
In most cases, your doctor diagnoses gastroesophageal reflux (GER) by reviewing your symptoms and medical history. If your symptoms don’t improve with lifestyle changes and medications, you may need testing.
How do doctors diagnose GERD?
If your GER symptoms don’t improve, if they come back frequently, or if you have trouble swallowing, your doctor may recommend testing you for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist to diagnose and treat GERD.
Several tests can help a doctor diagnose GERD. Your doctor may order more than one test to make a diagnosis.
A. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and biopsy:
In an upper GI endoscopy, a gastroenterologist, surgeon, or other trained health care professional uses an endoscope to see inside your upper GI tract. This procedure takes place at a hospital or an outpatient center.
B. Upper GI series:
An upper GI series looks at the shape of your upper GI tract. An x-ray technician performs this procedure at a hospital or an outpatient center. A radiologist reads and reports on the x-ray images. You don’t need anesthesia. A health care professional will tell you how to prepare for the procedure, including when to stop eating and drinking.
C. Esophageal pH and impedance monitoring:
The most accurate procedure to detect acid reflux is esophageal pH and impedance monitoring. Esophageal pH and impedance monitoring measure the amount of acid in your esophagus while you do normal things, such as eating and sleeping.
D. Bravo wireless esophageal pH monitoring:
Bravo wireless esophageal pH monitoring also measures and records the pH in your esophagus to determine if you have GERD. A doctor temporarily attaches a small capsule to the wall of your esophagus during an upper endoscopy. The capsule measures pH levels in the esophagus and transmits information to a receiver. The receiver is about the size of a pager, which you wear on your belt or waistband.
E. Esophageal manometry:
Esophageal manometry measures muscle contractions in your esophagus. A gastroenterologist may order this procedure if you’re thinking about anti-reflux surgery.
The gastroenterologist can perform this procedure during an office visit. A health care professional will spray a liquid anesthetic on the back of your throat or ask you to gargle a liquid anesthetic.
Treatment Options For Ger And Gerd:
How do you control GER and GERD?
You may be able to control gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by:
- Not,
- Eating or drinking items that may cause GER, such as greasy or spicy foods and alcoholic drinks
- Overeating.
- Eating 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
- Losing weight if you’re overweight or obese.
- Quitting smoking, and avoiding secondhand smoke.
- Taking over-the-counter medicines, such as Maalox, or Rolaids.
How do doctors treat GERD?
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medicines, surgery, or a combination.
1. Lifestyle changes:
Making lifestyle changes can reduce your GER and GERD symptoms. You should:
- Lose weight if needed.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing around your abdomen. Tight clothing can squeeze your stomach area and push acid up into your esophagus.
- Stay upright for 3 hours after meals. Avoid reclining and slouching when sitting.
- Sleep on a slight angle. Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches by safely putting blocks under the Bedposts. Just using extra pillows will not help.
- Quit smoking, and avoid secondhand smoke.
2. Over-the-counter and prescription medicines:
You can buy many GERD medicines without a prescription. However, if you have symptoms that will not go away, you should see your doctor. All GERD medicines work in different ways. You may need a combination of GERD medicines to control your symptoms.
Antacids:
Doctors often first recommend antacids to relieve heartburn and other mild GER and GERD symptoms. Antacids include over-the-counter medicines such as
- Maalox.
- Mylanta.
- Riopan.
- Rolaids. Antacids can have side effects, including diarrhea and constipation.
H2 blockers:
H2 blockers decrease acid production. They provide short-term or on-demand relief for many people with GER and GERD symptoms. They can also help heal the esophagus, although not as well as other medicines. You can buy H2 blockers over-the-counter or your doctor can prescribe one. Types of H2 blockers include.
If you get heartburn after eating, your doctor may recommend that you take an antacid and an H2 blocker. The antacid neutralizes stomach acid, and the H2 blocker stops your stomach from creating acid. By the time the antacid stops working, the H2 blocker has stopped the acid.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs):
PPIs lower the amount of acid your stomach makes. PPIs are better at treating GERD symptoms than H2 blockers.2 They can heal the esophageal lining in most people with GERD. Doctors often prescribe PPIs for long-term GERD treatment.
However,
Studies show that people who take PPIs for a long time or in high doses are more likely to have hip, wrist, and spinal fractures. You need to take these medicines on an empty stomach so that your stomach acid can make them work.
3. Surgery:
Your doctor may recommend surgery if your GERD symptoms don’t improve with lifestyle changes or medicines. You’re more likely to develop complications from surgery than from medicines.
Fundoplication is the most common surgery for GERD. In most cases, it leads to long-term reflux control. Doctors use medicines, surgery, and chemotherapy to treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Learn more about Zollinger-Ellison syndrome treatment.
Eating, Diet, And Nutrition for Ger And Gerd:
How can your diet help prevent or relieve GER or GERD?
You can prevent or relieve your symptoms from gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by changing your diet. You may need to avoid certain foods and drinks that make your symptoms worse. Other dietary changes that can help reduce your symptoms include
- Decreasing fatty foods.
- Eating small, frequent meals instead of three large meals.
What should You avoid eating if You have GER or GERD?
Avoid eating or drinking the following items that may make GER or GERD worse:
- Chocolate.
- Coffee.
- Peppermint
- Greasy or spicy foods.
- Tomatoes and tomato products.
- Alcoholic drinks.
What can You eat if You have GER or GERD?
Eating healthy and balanced amounts of different types of foods is good for your overall health. For more information about eating a balanced diet, visit Choose My Plate External link.
If you’re overweight or obese, talk with your doctor or a dietitian about dietary changes that can help you lose weight and decrease your GERD symptoms.
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Disclaimer: “Nothing in this article makes any claim to offer cures or treatment of any disease or illness. If you are sick please consult with your doctor.”
