Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

(GERD)BY DR. ALI GHAHARY

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, is a medical condition affects over 5 million individuals in Canada and is considered a chronic disease. Source: careworldtv

Patients with GERD will present to Dr. Ali Ghahary, a family physician at Brentwood Medical Clinic, often complaining of heartburn or regurgitation as two of their main symptoms. Source: careworldtv

WHAT IS GERD?

GERD occurs when the acid content of the stomach regurgitates or refluxes back into the esophagus, causing irritation to the lining of the esophagus. Symptoms of GERD include burning pain under the breastbone, known as the sternum in the chest region, difficulty swallowing, coughing, wheezing, sour throat and hiccups. Such symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs depending on the severity.

Source: careworldtv

When you swallow foods or liquids, the circular band of muscle found in the bottom area of the esophagus relaxes, allowing liquids and food to enter the stomach for digestion to take place. These foods and liquids mix with the acid content of the stomach. When the band of muscle contracts completely, relaxes abnormally, or weakens, the acidic stomach content can flow back into this esophagus cause irritation, discomfort and inflammation. Bleeding, respiratory problems and ulcers may also be due to this condition.

Source: careworldtv

RISK FACTORS TO GERD

You are at risk of developing GERD if you are pregnant, obese, have asthma, diabetes, or are a smoker. Smoking has been found to weaken the muscles at the base of the esophagus. Some over-the-counter and prescription drugs can also increase your disk of developing GERD including anti-inflammatories, beta-blockers, anticholinergics, calcium channel blockers, bronchodilators, progestin, active dopamine drugs, tricyclic anti-depressants and sedatives.

Source: careworldtv

Certain foods that trigger heartburn should also be avoided. These include fried foods, fatty foods, oranges, tomatoes, spicy peppers, grapefruits, high-fat cheeses, nuts, avocados, chocolate, alcohol, garlic, onion, caffeine and mint. Source: Takeaway

While diet and lifestyle changes alone can be used to manage the symptoms of GERD, there are also medications that can be used in the treatment of GERD. These medications will help to reduce and relief heartburn and some of the aforementioned symptoms associated with this chronic problem.

Source: Midnightcomm

In some cases, surgery may be required in effort to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter muscle to prevent reflux of stomach content.

ASSOCIATED DISEASES

Over 20 million people in Canada suffer from other GERD-related diseases such as Barrett’s Esophagus, Celiac Disease, and Chron’s Disease. While some of these conditions have similar symptoms, not all are alike, and treatment will always vary from patient to patient.