Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Reclaim Relief From Heartburn and More

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. This backflow of acid can irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest known as heartburn. However, GERD can also lead to a variety of other uncomfortable symptoms.

Symptoms

Causes

The main culprit behind GERD is a weakened or relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a muscular valve located at the bottom of the esophagus that acts as a one-way street, allowing food to pass into the stomach but preventing stomach contents from flowing back up. When the LES weakens or relaxes inappropriately, stomach acid can easily rise into the esophagus, leading to GERD symptoms.

01 Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk of developing GERD, including:

Hiatal hernia: A condition where part of your stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, the muscle separating your chest from your abdomen.
Obesity: Excess weight can put pressure on your abdomen, increasing pressure on the LES.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can weaken the LES.
Certain foods and drinks: Spicy foods, fatty foods, acidic foods (like citrus fruits), chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages can relax the LES and irritate the esophagus.
Smoking: Smoking can weaken the LES and irritate the esophagus.

02 Diagnosis

Diagnosing GERD often involves a combination of methods, including:

Reviewing your medical history and symptoms
Upper endoscopy: A procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of your esophagus and stomach.
Esophageal manometry: A test that measures the pressure contractions of your esophagus.
Ambulatory acid pH monitoring: A test that measures the acidity in your esophagus over a 24-hour period.

Treatment

There are several effective ways to manage GERD symptoms and improve your quality of life. Treatment options may include:

Lifestyle modifications: Losing weight, quitting smoking, avoiding trigger foods and drinks, and elevating the head of your bed can significantly improve symptoms.
Medications: Over-the-counter medications like antacids and prescription medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce its production.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be an option to strengthen the LES or create a valve to prevent acid reflux.

How Gastro Experts Can Help:

At Gastro Experts, our team of experienced gastroenterologists understands the discomfort and disruption GERD can cause. We offer a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment, working with you to develop a plan that effectively manages your symptoms and allows you to enjoy life again.

We can help you:

Identify the underlying cause of your GERD.
Develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and preferences.
Offer guidance on lifestyle modifications and dietary changes to manage your symptoms.
Prescribe medication or recommend surgical intervention if necessary.
Provide ongoing monitoring and support to ensure your GERD remains well-controlled.

Schedule an appointment

If you are experiencing persistent heartburn or other GERD symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact Gastro Experts. We can help you find relief and get back to enjoying your life

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)