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