Commonly referred as GERD is a chronic condition characterized by frequent episodes of gastroesophageal reflux, where stomach content flows back into the esophagus. This backwash (reflux) can irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing uncomfortable symptoms and potentially leading to serious complications.
GERD can be caused by various factors, including hiatal hernia and certain lifestyle habits. The duration of reflux and the potential damage it can inflict on the esophagus are key identifiers of this disease. GERD lesions occur due to an imbalance between stomach acidity and the esophageal mucosa's defensive mechanisms. If left untreated, this damage can evolve into critical situations, such as Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer.
Causes of GERD
The most common causes of GERD can be summarized as follows:
Hiatal Hernia: When the upper part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm, it can contribute to GERD.
Weakened Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES): A weakened or relaxed LES allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, smoking, and certain dietary choices (spicy, acidic foods, caffeine, alcohol) can increase the risk of GERD.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and pressure from a growing uterus during pregnancy can lead to GERD symptoms.
Symptoms of GERD
Recognizing the symptoms of GERD early is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of severe complications. Typical symptoms of GERD include:
Retrosternal pyrosis (burning sensation in the chest)
Regurgitation of gastric material
Epigastric pain
Additionally, GERD can present with atypical symptoms, such as:
If you recognize one or more of these symptoms, especially if they are recurrent, it is essential to seek medical attention.
Diagnosing GERD
The diagnosis of GERD typically involves a physical examination and medical history. Doctors may resort to more specific tests under certain circumstances, such as persistent, severe, and unusual symptoms, ineffective prescribed medications, potential surgical operations, symptoms indicative of more severe conditions, or when the diagnosing doctor has doubts that need clarification.
Differential diagnosis is a critical step in diagnosing GERD. This approach helps exclude conditions characterized by similar symptoms, such as heart diseases, primarily heart attacks.
Several in-depth tests can help formulate an accurate diagnosis of GERD. These include:
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: Also known as gastroscopy, this test allows for a visual exploration of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It is crucial for evaluating the internal esophageal wall's health and identifying signs of irritation typical of gastric acid reflux.
Radiological examination with barium sulphate contrast medium: This test evaluates the patient's swallowing ability and identifies any blockages or abnormalities in the esophagus-stomach tract.
Esophageal manometry: This test measures the pressure inside the esophagus to determine its functionality and the lower esophageal sphincter.
24-hour esophageal pH-metry: This test evaluates the acidity levels present in the esophagus over a 24-hour period.
Blood tests: These tests can detect anemia, a condition that can result from significant internal bleeding in the digestive system due to severe esophageal ulcers.
Evaluating the Severity of GERD
To determine the severity of GERD, doctors often use a measurement system known as the Johnson-DeMeester scoring system. This system categorizes GERD into four levels of severity, ranging from level 0 (absence of gastric reflux phenomena) to level 3 (the most severe form of GERD, with frequent reflux phenomena that interfere with daily activities).
Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications
Consume smaller meals.
Eat slowly, chew thoroughly and avoid immediate bed rest.
Chew gum for esophageal clearance.
Stay upright after meals.
Wear loose-fitting clothing.
Manage stress.
Use extra virgin olive oil for seasoning.
Eat lean meats, fish, and low-fat dairy.
Cook foods through boiling, steam cooking, or baking.
Emphasize fresh foods.
Avoid high-protein/high-lipid foods.
Avoid abundant evening meals and milk before bedtime.
It's crucial to use medications under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they may have potential side effects and interactions with other medications. Additionally, long-term use of certain medications, especially PPIs, should be carefully monitored.
Antacids
These neutralize the stomach acid.
Calcium Carbonate (Tums)
Aluminum Hydroxide
Magnesium Hydroxide
H2 Blockers (Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonists)
They reduce the production of stomach acid and can provide longer-lasting relief compared to antacids.
Ranitidine (Zantac)
Famotidine (Pepcid)
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
PPIs are more potent acid suppressors and are often prescribed for more severe or persistent GERD symptoms.
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Esomeprazole (Nexium)
Prokinetics
These help prevent stomach contents, including acid, from flowing back into the esophagus.
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Domperidone (Motilium)
Foam Barriers and Alginate Medications
These form a protective barrier on top of the stomach contents, preventing reflux into the esophagus.
Gaviscon
Rennie
Algicon
Maalox Plus
Natural Remedies
Lifestyle Modifications:
Dietary Changes: Avoid trigger foods such as spicy, acidic, and fatty foods. Opt for a balanced diet with smaller, more frequent meals.
Weight Management: Losing excess weight, if applicable, can help reduce pressure on the stomach and decrease GERD symptoms.
Elevating the Head of the Bed: Raising the head of the bed by 6 to 8 inches can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus during sleep.
Dietary Supplements:
Ginger: Ginger may help reduce nausea and inflammation. It can be consumed as ginger tea or in supplement form.
Melatonin: Some studies suggest that melatonin supplementation may help improve symptoms of GERD.
Chamomile Tea: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and may help soothe the digestive tract.
Licorice Root: DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) supplements may provide relief by promoting a protective mucus layer in the esophagus.
Diaphragmatic Exercises for Reducing GERD
While concrete evidence is lacking to assert that diaphragmatic exercises can serve as a definitive cure for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), there is emerging interest in their potential to contribute to symptom improvement.
Some studies and anecdotal reports (for instance How I Treated My Hiatal Hernia) suggest that strengthening the diaphragm may play a role in enhancing the integrity of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscular barrier that prevents stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus.
Diaphragmatic exercises, including deep and diaphragmatic breathing techniques, aim to bolster the diaphragm's function, offering better control over the LES. Integrating these exercises into a comprehensive GERD management plan might bring relief from symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation.
