GERD: Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Symptoms of GERD

1. Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often after eating, which may worsen when lying down or bending over.
2. Regurgitation: The feeling of stomach contents coming back up into the throat or mouth.
3. Acid indigestion: Discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen.
4. Chest pain: Sometimes, GERD can cause chest pain, which can be similar to the pain of a heart attack.
5. Difficulty swallowing: Over time, GERD can lead to narrowing of the esophagus, making it harder to swallow.
6. Chronic cough: GERD can irritate the airways and lead to a persistent cough.
7. Sore throat: The refluxed stomach acid can irritate the throat, leading to a sore throat or hoarseness.
8. Dental problems: Stomach acid can erode tooth enamel, leading to dental issues.

Diagnosis of GERD

If you suspect you have GERD, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of:

1. Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history.
2. Physical Examination: A physical examination may help rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.
3. Endoscopy: EGD involves using a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) to examine the esophagus, stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine.
4. pH Monitoring: 24-hour pH monitoring measures the acidity in your esophagus over a day to determine the frequency and severity of acid reflux.
5. Barium Swallow X-ray: You may be asked to drink a barium solution, which will make the esophagus and stomach visible on X-rays.

Treatment of GERD

The treatment of GERD aims to relieve symptoms, heal esophageal damage, and prevent further complications. The approach may include:

1. Lifestyle Changes:
   • Elevating the head of the bed to prevent nighttime reflux.
   • Avoiding trigger foods and drinks (e.g., caffeine, alcohol, citrus, spicy foods).
   • Eating smaller, more frequent meals.
   • Losing weight if overweight.
   • Not lying down within 2-3 hours after eating.
2. Medications:
   • Antacids: These provide temporary relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
   • H2 Receptor Blockers (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine): Reduce stomach acid production.
   • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs, e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole): Stronger acid suppressors that can promote healing of the esophagus.
3. Surgery:
   • In cases where medications and lifestyle changes don’t provide sufficient relief, surgical options may be considered. Fundoplication is a common surgical procedure for GERD.

Also read:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): All you need to know!

Chronic Cough and Acid Reflux: Diagnosis and Treatment