Summary about Disease
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, bile flows back into the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). This backwash (reflux) irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes GERD.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
Heartburn (a burning sensation in your chest, usually after eating, which might be worse at night)
Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
Chest pain
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Sensation of a lump in your throat
Chronic cough
Laryngitis
New or worsening asthma
Disrupted sleep
Causes
GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux. Factors that can contribute to GERD include:
Hiatal hernia (when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm)
Obesity
Pregnancy
Smoking
Delayed stomach emptying
Connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma
Certain foods (e.g., fatty or fried foods, chocolate, mint)
Certain beverages (e.g., alcohol, caffeine)
Large meals
Lying down soon after eating
Medicine Used
Medications to treat GERD include:
Antacids (e.g., Tums, Rolaids)
H2 receptor blockers (e.g., famotidine, cimetidine)
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole, esomeprazole)
Prokinetics (e.g., metoclopramide) – less commonly used due to side effects.
Foam barrier medications (e.g., Gaviscon)
Is Communicable
No, GERD is not communicable. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Precautions to manage GERD include:
Maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking
Elevate the head of your bed
Avoid lying down after meals
Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Avoid foods and beverages that trigger heartburn
Avoid tight-fitting clothing
Consider over-the-counter antacids for mild symptoms
How long does an outbreak last?
GERD is a chronic condition, not an outbreak. Symptoms can be intermittent and vary in intensity. They can last for minutes to hours after a trigger. Without management, symptoms can persist for years.
How is it diagnosed?
GERD is diagnosed through:
Medical history and physical examination
Upper endoscopy
Ambulatory acid (pH) probe test
Esophageal manometry
X-ray of the upper digestive system
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies greatly from person to person. Symptoms can appear:
Immediately after eating or drinking trigger foods/beverages.
At night, especially when lying down.
Intermittently, with periods of symptom relief followed by flare-ups.
Chronic persistent daily/weekly without lifestyle changes/medication
Important Considerations
Untreated GERD can lead to serious complications, such as esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal cancer.
Self-treating with over-the-counter medications may mask underlying issues.
Consult a doctor if symptoms are severe, persistent, or don't improve with over-the-counter treatments.
Lifestyle modifications are essential for managing GERD.
Long-term use of PPIs can have potential side effects, so discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.