Glossary
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, commonly known as GERD, is a chronic and recurrent medical condition that affects the digestive system. This condition is characterized by the backflow of stomach acid or, in some cases, stomach content, into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube connecting the mouth and the stomach. This backward flow is known as acid reflux, and it can irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing discomfort and a variety of other symptoms.GERD is a relatively common condition, affecting about 20% of the population in the United States. It can occur in people of all ages, including infants, although it is more common in adults over 40 years old. The condition is more prevalent in people who are overweight, pregnant, or smoke.
The primary symptom of GERD is heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest that may spread to the throat, along with a sour taste in the mouth. Other symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, laryngitis, nausea, and even asthma in some cases. It's important to note that not everyone with GERD experiences heartburn. In fact, some people may experience other symptoms, such as chest pain, without any heartburn.GERD is caused by the malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus. Normally, the LES opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and then closes to prevent the backflow of stomach contents. However, in people with GERD, the LES is weak or relaxes inappropriately, allowing the stomach's contents to flow back into the esophagus.
The severity of GERD can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications may be sufficient to manage the symptoms. These lifestyle changes may include losing weight if overweight, quitting smoking, avoiding food and drinks that trigger reflux, eating smaller meals, not lying down soon after eating and elevating the head of the bed. Over-the-counter medications may include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. In more severe cases, prescription medications or even surgery may be necessary. Prescription medications may include stronger doses of H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors, as well as medications to strengthen the LES. Surgery may be considered if medication isn't effective or if there are complications such as severe inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus, Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous condition), or esophageal cancer.
Long-term complications of GERD can be serious. Continuous exposure of the esophagus to stomach acid can lead to inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, and scarring of the esophagus. In some cases, changes in the cells of the esophagus can lead to Barrett's esophagus, which increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Diagnosis of GERD is typically based on the patient's symptoms and response to treatment. However, in some cases, additional tests may be necessary. These may include an upper endoscopy, in which a flexible tube with a camera is used to examine the esophagus, a pH monitoring test to measure the level of acid in the esophagus, and an esophageal manometry to measure the pressure in the LES and the esophagus.
In conclusion, GERD is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. However, with proper management, most people with GERD can lead a normal life. It's important for anyone experiencing symptoms of GERD to seek medical attention to prevent potential complications and to ensure effective treatment.