GERD

What is GERD?

GERD stands for gastrointestinal reflux disease. It’s a common condition that develops when stomach acid flows upward into your esophagus and irritates its lining. GERD is ongoing, causing acid reflux at least once or twice a week. Treatment can reduce unpleasant symptoms and your risk of esophageal cancer.

What are the symptoms of GERD?

Common symptoms associated with GERD include:

• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest pain
• Ongoing cough
• Feeling a lump in your throat
• Laryngitis
• Sleeping disturbances
• Worsening or new asthma

When left untreated, GERD can lead to complications like esophagus narrowing, precancerous changes to the esophagus, and painful sores in your esophagus. 

What are the risk factors for GERD?

Frequent acid reflux is the cause of GERD. Common risk factors for developing it include:

• Pregnancy
• Hiatal hernia
• Excess body weight
• Delayed stomach emptying
• Connective tissue disorders
• Smoking
• Consuming certain foods or drinks
• Some medications
• Eating large meals at night

Maintaining an ideal body weight and avoiding large meals and trigger foods are some ways to reduce the chance of developing GERD.

How does my provider diagnose GERD?

Your Signature Internal Medicine provider lets you know if you have GERD after reviewing your medical history, lifestyle habits, and symptoms. They also check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and may order specific diagnostic tests. Examples include upper endoscopy, acid probe tests, and X-rays. Your provider then tailors a GERD treatment just for you.

How is GERD treated?

Common GERD treatments include over-the-counter or prescription medications, lifestyle changes, and surgical procedures. 

Avoid smoking, maintain an ideal body weight, get regular exercise, and eat nutritious foods. Elevate the head of your bed and don’t lie down after eating large meals. You might avoid trigger foods, such as alcohol, chocolate, garlic, onion, fried foods, fatty foods, tomato sauce, mint, and caffeine. Don’t wear tight-fitted clothing.

Surgery and other procedures can tighten the junction between your stomach and esophagus to reduce or prevent acid reflux. Your Signature Internal Medicine provider refers you to a specialist if you need surgery.

To find out if you have GERD or get symptom relief, call the Signature Internal Medicine office or use the online booking feature today.