Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that affects millions of people. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing pain and other medical problems. In this blog, we’ll talk about GERD diagnosis and treatment in depth. If you’re experiencing GERD symptoms, contact our clinic anytime for excellent personalized care.
For more information about GERD, check out this link to the American College of Gastroenterology:
https://gi.org/topics/acid-reflux/
What is GERD?
GERD is a disorder where stomach acids flow back and irritate the esophagus (swallowing tube). Acid reflux is common, and GERD causes frequent, severe symptoms that impact quality of life.
GERD symptoms include:
- Persistent heartburn (burning sensation in the chest), especially after meals
- Vomiting up food or sour liquid
- Difficulty swallowing
- Burning chest pain, particularly when lying down
- A chronic cough or chronic sore throat
- Hoarseness or voice changes
These symptoms can disrupt daily life and sleep. If untreated, GERD may lead to complications like esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus.
What Causes GERD?
GERD occurs due to stomach acid flowing backward into the esophagus. Contributing factors include:
- Obesity, which increases abdominal pressure
- Smoking, which weakens the normal valve between the esophagus and stomach
- Consuming trigger foods that are fatty, spicy, or acidic
- Alcohol and caffeine intake
- Pregnancy, due to hormonal changes and pressure on the stomach
- Hiatal hernias leading to mechanical backflow of stomach acids
Diagnosis of GERD
Diagnosing GERD typically involves:
- A thorough review of symptoms and medical history
- Physical examination
- Sometimes diagnostic tests are needed like labs for H. pylori, or procedures like an upper endoscopy and pH testing
Treatment Options for GERD
GERD treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Here are some common treatments:
- Lifestyle Modifications:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals, and avoiding eating several hours before bedtime
- Avoiding foods and drinks that trigger GERD like spicy foods and alcohol
- Elevating the head of your bed when sleeping
- Stopping smoking
- Medications:
- Antacids to neutralize stomach acid like calcium carbonate (Tums)
- H2 blockers to reduce acid production (like Pepcid)
- Proton pump inhibitors (like Omeprazole) for more severe cases
- Surgery:
- For severe cases, surgery can strengthen the esophagus/stomach valve to prevent acid reflux.
- Hiatal hernia repairs can also stop GERD symptoms.
Complications of Untreated GERD
If left untreated, GERD can lead to serious health issues, including:
- Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus lining
- Strictures: Narrowing of the esophagus from scar tissue causing chronic eating problems
- Barrett’s Esophagus: A precancerous condition that increases the risk of esophageal cancer
Why Choose Link Primary Care for GERD care?
Our direct primary care model is designed to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care for GERD:
- Fast and Easy Access: Same-day appointments ensure timely care.
- Personalized Relationships: We take the time to understand your unique health needs.
- Affordable Pricing: Transparent pricing makes high-quality care accessible to everyone.
Schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Davis using the following link:
https://calendly.com/jeffreydavis-linkprimarycare/link-primary-care-meeting
Get more information on our website at linkprimarycare.com
