Have Constant Reflux and Heartburn? Talk to Your Doctor About GERD.

November 20, 2024

The holidays are associated with overeating. And that can lead to problems like acid reflux and heartburn. If you experience these regularly, you may have a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The American College of Gastroenterology estimates that one person in five in the U.S. has GERD.

What Is GERD?

GERD is acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week. Acid reflux happens when the valve at the entrance to your stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) doesn’t close all the way or opens too often.

When this happens, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth and stomach).

Chronic irritation from GERD can damage the lining of your esophagus. Over time, damage to the esophagus can lead to a more serious and cancer-causing condition known as Barrett’s esophagus.

Common GERD Risk Factors

Several risk factors can lead to GERD, including a few that you can avoid. Common risks are:

Being overweight or obese
Eating triggering foods, such as spicy or fatty dishes
Drinking carbonated or acidic beverages
Taking triggering medications, such as painkillers
Eating right before bedtime
Overeating
Pregnancy
Smoking

GERD is also caused by a hiatal hernia — when part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm into your chest.

Know the Difference Between Acid Reflux, GERD and Heartburn

Terms like acid reflux and heartburn are often used interchangeably with GERD. But they aren’t the same. It’s important to know the difference.

Here’s what you need to know:

Acid reflux is the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Acid reflux is common, and it can be mild or serious.
GERD is chronic or long-term acid reflux.
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux and GERD. It is a burning sensation in the chest caused by the backflow of stomach acid.

GERD Symptoms

The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn. Other signs you may notice include:

Chest pain
Chronic cough
Difficulty swallowing
Feeling like there’s a lump in your throat
Repeated lung infections
Regurgitation of food or sour liquid

When to Seek GERD Treatment

Millions of people experience occasional acid reflux. Most can manage the discomfort with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. Lifestyle management tips include:

Avoid or reduce consumption of alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee and tea.
Avoid or reduce eating triggering foods such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic and onions. Also limit dishes that are spicy, fried or fatty.
Don’t wear tight clothes or belts.
Eat smaller meals more frequently and avoid eating two to three hours before bedtime.
Elevate the head of your bed by four to six inches.
Quit smoking.
Lose weight, if your doctor recommends it.

If these steps don’t help or your reflux becomes more frequent, it may be a sign of GERD. You may need prescription medications or anti-reflux surgery to ease symptoms.

Talk to your doctor about your symptoms, how often you’re experiencing acid reflux and whether the medicines you take are contributing to the problem. Some medications — like over-the-counter painkillers and some prescription blood pressure medications — can trigger acid reflux and heartburn.

If you have GERD, your doctor can refer you to a specialist (general surgeon) who will work with you to choose the best course of treatment.

Options for Anti-Reflux Surgery

While medication may provide relief for some people, surgery may still be the best option. Surgery can also help you avoid life-long medication treatment. At Memorial Healthcare System, we offer the following anti-reflux surgeries to treat GERD.