What is Acid Reflux?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LOS) weakens or relaxes inappropriately, allowing stomach acid to flow back up. Causing heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest, and can damage the esophagus over time.
What are the symptoms of GERD?
Patients may be diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) if they experience these symptoms regularly:
Heartburn (burning sensation in the chest, often worse after eating)
"Puking” sour liquids
Nausea, vomiting, dry cough, hoarseness of voice, difficulty swallowing
Feeling of food coming back into the mouth, leaving a bitter taste
Feeling of having a lump at the back of your throat
Worsening of asthma
How GERD is Diagnosed?
Physical Exam and Medical History
Your doctor discusses symptoms and medical history, performing a physical exam to identify underlying causes of your symptoms.
Upper Endoscopy
A flexible tube with a camera is passed through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for inflammation or irritation.
Esophageal pH Monitoring
A small tube is placed through the nose into the esophagus for 24 hours to measure acid levels and record reflux episodes.
X-rays
A barium swallow test visualizes the upper digestive tract by swallowing barium, which highlights abnormalities on X-rays. This test is less common today.
How To Relieve GERD？
Medications
Several over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to help relieve the symptoms of GERD. These may include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.
Lifestyle Changes
Your doctor may recommend changes to your diet and eating habits, such as avoiding trigger foods, lying down after eating, and eating smaller meals more frequently, There are six lifestyle changes which may help with GERD.
Eat slowly
Eat meals on time
Don’t eat too full
Don’t lie down within 3 hours of a proper meal
Reduce stress
Improve good quality sleep
Other lifestyle changes that may help include quitting smoking, avoid excess alcohol, avoid oily and spicy foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and elevating the head of your bed while sleeping.
Procedures and Surgeries
In some cases, lifestyle changes and medications may not be enough to manage GERD symptoms. Your doctor may recommend procedures or surgery to help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Some options include:
Endoscopic treatments to tighten or repair the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) such as ARMS or ARMA
LINX device placement to help prevent stomach acid from entering the oesophagus
Fundoplication surgery to strengthen the LES
Follow-up Care
GERD is a chronic condition that may require ongoing management. Your doctor will work with you to develop an individualised treatment plan and schedule follow-up appointments as needed.
It is important to continue taking any prescribed medications and making lifestyle changes to effectively manage your GERD symptoms. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare provider
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