Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when contents in the stomach flow back into the esophagus causing digestive issues. This happens when the valve between the stomach and the esophagus, known as the lower esophageal sphincter, does not close properly.
What are the symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?
Common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease are heartburn and/or acid regurgitation. Heartburn is a burning sensation felt behind the breast bone that occurs when stomach contents irritate the normal lining of the esophagus. Acid regurgitation is the sensation of stomach fluid coming up through the chest which may reach the mouth. Less common digestive issue symptoms that may also be associated with gastroesophageal reflux include unexplained chest pain, wheezing, sore throat, and cough.
What causes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when there is an imbalance between the normal defense mechanisms of the esophagus and offensive factors such as acid and other digestive juices and enzymes in the stomach. Often, the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus is impaired by the weakening of the muscle (lower esophageal sphincter) or the presence of a hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach is displaced into the chest. Hiatal hernias, however, are common and not all people with a hiatal hernia have reflux.
A major cause of reflux is obesity whereby increased pressure in the abdomen overcomes the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus. Obesity, pregnancy, smoking, excess alcohol use, and consumption of a variety of foods such as coffee, citrus drinks, tomato-based products, chocolate, peppermint, and fatty foods may also contribute to reflux symptoms.
How is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease diagnosed?
When a patient experiences common digestive symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, namely heartburn and/or acid regurgitation, additional tests before starting treatment are typically unnecessary. If symptoms do not respond to treatment, or if other symptoms such as weight loss, trouble swallowing, or internal bleeding are present, additional endoscopy procedures and testing may be necessary.
Upper endoscopy is a test in which a small tube with a light at the end is used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). Before this test, you will receive medications to help you relax and lessen any discomfort you may feel. An upper endoscopy allows your gastroenterologist to see the lining of the esophagus and detect any evidence of damage due to GERD.
A biopsy of tissue may be done using an instrument similar to tweezers. Obtaining a biopsy does not cause pain or discomfort.
Another test, known as pH testing, measures acid in the esophagus and can be done by either attaching a small sensor to the esophagus at the time of the endoscopy procedure or by placing a thin, flexible probe into the esophagus that will stay there for 24 hours while acid content is being measured. This information is transmitted to a small recorder that you wear on your belt. X-ray testing has no role in the initial evaluation of individuals with symptoms of reflux disease.
How is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease treated?
Reflux symptoms sometimes disappear if dietary or lifestyle excesses that cause the symptoms are reduced or eliminated. Avoiding these items may reduce your discomfort:
Coffee
Citrus drinks
Tomato-based products
Carbonated beverages
Chocolate
Peppermint
Fatty or spicy foods
Eating within three hours of bedtime
Smoking
Excess alcohol consumption
Excess weight gain
Propping up the head of the bed at night may be helpful
Should symptoms persist, over-the-counter antacids may decrease digestive issues and discomfort. Antacids, however, only work for a short time, and for this reason, they have a limited role in treating reflux disease. Histamine H2 receptor antagonists (cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotidine) decrease acid production in the stomach. These medications work well for treating mild reflux symptoms and are quite safe, with few side effects. They are available over the counter at a reduced dose, or a higher dose when given by prescription by your doctor.
Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole, and rabeprazole) are all highly effective in treating reflux symptoms. These medications act by blocking the final step of acid production in the stomach and are typically taken once or twice daily before meals. For reflux symptoms that occur frequently, proton pump inhibitors are the most effective medical treatment.
Prokinetics, or medications that stimulate muscle activity in the stomach and esophagus, are sometimes provided for the treatment of reflux disease. The only available drug on the market is metoclopramide, which has little benefit in the treatment of reflux disease and has many side effects, some of which can be serious.
Surgery should be considered in patients with well-documented reflux disease who cannot tolerate medications or continue to have regurgitation as a primary symptom. If symptoms persist despite medical treatment, a comprehensive evaluation should be completed before considering surgery. The surgery for treating reflux disease is known as fundoplication. In this procedure, a hiatal hernia, if present, is eliminated and part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower end of the esophagus to strengthen the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. The operation is typically done via a laparoscope, an instrument that avoids a full incision of the stomach. Due to the complexity of this surgery, it is important to seek a skilled surgeon who has experience in performing this procedure and can discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure.
When should I see my doctor?
You should see your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, trouble swallowing, or internal bleeding in addition to heartburn and/or acid regurgitation. Symptoms that persist after you have made simple lifestyle changes also warrant a visit to your doctor. In addition, if you use over-the-counter medications regularly to reduce symptoms such as heartburn or acid regurgitation, you should consult a physician to determine the best course of treatment for you.
F.Y.I.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) can be related to hiatal hernia, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, excess alcohol use, and consumption of certain foods such as coffee, citrus drinks, tomato-based products, chocolate, peppermint, and fatty foods.
Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with more than 11,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education.
This patient education was developed by the Publications Committee of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. This information is the opinion of and provided by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Copyright ©2010. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. All rights reserved. This information may not be reproduced without express written permission by ASGE. For permission requests, please contact the ASGE Communications Department at 630-673-0600.