GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease)

Many factors can cause GERD

Obesity, Diet, Age, Smoking, Certain medications, such as nitrates, antihistamines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Symptoms of GERD

Heartburn NOT always present, Regurgitation, Hoarseness / Voice Changes, Epigastric Pain, Chest Pain, Cough, Sore Throat, Difficulty Swallowing / Choking, Weight Loss, Bitter / Bile taste, Asthma, Recurrent Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Dental Problems, Bad Breath, Excessive Belching, “Lump” in the Throat, Nausea / Vomiting

Patients with reflux disease often suffer:

Poor quality of sleep, Reduced work productivity, Dietary compromises to avoid symptoms, Reflux patients also may have concerns about the long-term effects of GERD or the consequences of lifelong dependence on GERD medications

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

Upper Endoscopy (EGD), Barium Esophagram (Upper GI), Esophageal Manometry, pH (24-hour and Bravo)

Changes to your lifestyle or medical intervention can help alleviate symptoms of GERD.

Lifestyle changes Limit “trigger foods”, Lose weight, Quit smoking, avoid eating less than three hours before bed

DIET MODIFICATION: Spicy Foods, Caffeine, Fatty Foods, Tomato-based Foods, Fruits, Chocolate, Alcohol, Carbonated Beverages

PILLOWS / BED ELEVATION

Prescription medications, such as proton-pump inhibitors (PPI)2 Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Aciphex, Dexilant

H2 Blockers: Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac

Antacids: Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol, Rolaids, Tums

Surgery: Fundoplication, TIF

GERD Summary

GERD is a chronic digestive disease caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

Much more than heartburn, GERD can lead to serious complications, Esophagitis, Strictures, Barrett’s Esophagus, Esophageal cancer

Medications may provide symptom relief, but they: Do NOT affect the cause of GERD, Do NOT prevent reflux, may require long-term (life-long) use