Overview
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly called GERD, results in persistent heartburn symptoms caused by excessive amounts of acid that rise from the stomach into the esophagus. This causes a burning sensation in the upper chest behind the breastbone and sometimes pain in the throat or sour taste in the back of the throat. Heartburn happens to many people once in a while, but symptoms occurring two or more times a week indicate GERD, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.
Function
Heartburn results from too much stomach juice that comes in contact with the esophagus. Stomach juice includes acid, digestive enzymes and other material that can injure the esophageal lining, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. A muscular valve at the lower end of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter usually holds down the juices in the stomach. Sometimes the valve is weakened or relaxes too frequently. So the stomach acid flows upward, causing the acid reflux action or heartburn. In GERD, this reaction happens persistently.
Considerations
Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding foods and beverages that cause acid reflux, may help prevent GERD and heartburn symptoms. These items include spicy or fried foods, tomato products, chocolate, coffee or alcoholic beverages. Smoking stimulates stomach acid production and relaxes the muscle between the esophagus and stomach, so smokers with GERD are advised to quit. People who are overweight should lose weight to take pressure off the abdomen, which can contribute to pushing the stomach acid into the esophagus. Raising the head of the bed at least 4 inches keeps the upper body lifted so stomach acid won’t flow back up into the throat during sleep.
Benefits
Over-the-counter antacids work for people who suffer bouts of heartburn. But people with GERD usually need stronger medication to get relief. H2 blockers are available in prescription and over-the-counter strength. The medication decreases stomach acid production and provides short-term relief. H2 blockers effectively work for about half of people with GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Prescription proton pump inhibitors reduce stomach acid production and are more effective than H2 blockers, the NDDIC says. Inhibitors relieve acid reflux symptoms and help heal the esophageal lining in almost everyone with the disorder.
Identification
The main goal of treating GERD is to prevent damage to the esophagus. The stomach contributes to the problem with excess acid. The stomach may also have underlying problems. Untreated GERD symptoms could result in stomach problems such as inflamed stomach lining or gastritis and stomach ulcers, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. A doctor can examine the stomach lining with an endoscope, a long, thin tube inserted into the esophagus.
Prevention/Solution
When lifestyle changes and medication fail, surgery involving the stomach and esophagus is sometimes recommended. In one surgical technique, called fundoplication, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter to strengthen the sphincter and prevent acid reflux, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Other surgical methods include creating folds in the esophageal sphincter or burning techniques with electrodes to toughen the sphincter and prevent stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus.
About this Author
Jerry Shaw has spent more than 35 years in newspapers, magazines and book publishing. He has written on a variety of topics for various websites, magazines and newspapers, including “Florida Today,” “Daytona Beach News-Journal” and “Today in PT,” an online magazine for physical therapists. He lives in Florida.
