Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic condition characterized by the frequent reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. This reflux causes symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain. GERD can lead to complications if left untreated, including esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and even esophageal cancer. This is why recognizing and starting treatment early is paramount!

Symptoms

Common symptoms of GERD include:

Burning sensation in the chest or throat (heartburn)

Regurgitation of food and/or acid

Chest pain that can radiate to the back, neck, or arms

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Chronic cough due to acid irritating the throat and airways

Causes

GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) weakens or relaxes inappropriately, allowing stomach acid to frequently flow back into the esophagus.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for GERD include obesity, smoking, pregnancy, hiatal hernia (upper stomach slides up through the diaphragm opening (hiatus)), and certain medications such as NSAIDs and calcium channel blockers.

Investigations

Diagnosing GERD can involve the following:

Medical history and symptom assessment.

Endoscopy:

Direct visualization of the esophagus to assess for inflammation, ulcers, or Barrett's esophagus.

Esophageal pH monitoring:

Measures acid levels in the esophagus over a period to confirm reflux.

Barium swallow:

X-ray imaging to visualize the esophagus and detect abnormalities.

Management

Management of GERD typically involves:

Lifestyle modifications:

Including dietary changes, weight loss, and avoiding trigger foods.

Medications:

Such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and antacids to reduce acid production and relieve symptoms.

Surgical intervention:

For severe cases or complications, procedures like fundoplication (sewing the upper stomach around the lower esophagus) may be considered to strengthen the LES and prevent reflux.

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