What to Know about GERD

You may be familiar with terms like heartburn or acid reflux. These can be unpleasant to experience, but they are often misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, they aren't medical conditions — but they can be symptoms of one. Both are often symptoms of a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.

Facts about GERD

GERD is a chronic disease, meaning it can last a long time and become worse if it isn't treated correctly. It develops when food, acid and bile in your stomach move up into your esophagus.

The esophagus is a tube that extends from your throat to your stomach. A muscle at the bottom of the esophagus normally keeps stomach contents where they belong. But if it isn't working correctly, stomach contents can slide backward. This backward movement causes symptoms such as:

• Heartburn (a burning feeling in the chest)
• Regurgitation or acid reflux (the movement of stomach contents into your throat or mouth)
• Nausea
• Chronic cough
• Sore throat
• Hoarseness

Heartburn and regurgitation are the disease's most common symptoms. Not everyone experiences both of them.

When to see a doctor

GERD symptoms are common. It might be easy to dismiss them as something that doesn't need medical attention.

“However, serious complications can develop with prolonged symptoms that include inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus, lung or throat issues and even esophageal cancer,” says Dr. Michael Owens, Adventist Health Portland gastroenterologist.

You should contact your primary health care provider right away if you experience any of these problems:

• You take over-the-counter medicine for your heartburn two or more times a week.
• It's difficult to swallow food.
• Acid reflux makes you cough, sound hoarse or feel short of breath.
• You vomit blood or have black or bloody bowel movements.
• You have lost weight but don't know why.

Your provider may recommend you see a specialist known as a gastroenterologist. They will perform tests to learn if you have GERD.

“Your primary care doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, avoiding certain foods or the use of medications” says Dr. Owens. “They may also suggest referral to a specialist if medications are required long term, or if alarming symptoms occur. Surgery is occasionally considered for some patients”

With proper treatment, the progression of GERD can slow or stop. To make an appointment with one of our providers, visit our team page.

Sources: American College of Gastroenterology; Merck Manuals Online Medical Library; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases