Taming the Burn: A Guide to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Heartburn, acid reflux, and chest pain are familiar symptoms for many people. Sometimes, these symptoms are more than just an occasional annoyance; they can be signs of a chronic condition called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This blog article will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for GERD, helping you understand and manage this common digestive disorder.

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, acid reflux, and potentially damaging the esophageal lining. GERD is often a result of a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES) – the muscle that acts as a valve between the stomach and the esophagus. According to our functional medicine doctors, other factors that contribute to GERD include obesity, pregnancy, certain foods and beverages, and some medications.

Symptoms of GERD

The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest that may radiate to the neck, throat, and sometimes the jaw. Other symptoms of GERD include:

1. Regurgitation of stomach acid or food
2. Difficulty swallowing
3. Chronic cough or hoarseness
4. Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
5. Chest pain

If left untreated, GERD can lead to complications such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), esophageal ulcers, or a narrowing of the esophagus called strictures.

Causes and Risk Factors

Our functional medicine Los Angeles professionals list several factors that can contribute to the development of GERD, including:

1. A weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
2. Obesity or being overweight
3. Pregnancy
4. Hiatal hernia
5. Certain medications, such as NSAIDs, calcium channel blockers, or some antidepressants
6. Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
7. Consuming certain foods and beverages, like spicy foods, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol

Diagnosis

To diagnose GERD, your healthcare professional will review your medical history and symptoms. They may perform tests such as an upper endoscopy to examine the esophagus and stomach or a 24-hour pH monitoring test to measure the amount of acid in the esophagus. In some cases, other diagnostic tests like esophageal manometry or a barium swallow study may be necessary.

Treatment Options for GERD

The treatment for GERD aims to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. Depending on the severity of your condition, your healthcare professional may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and, in some cases, surgical interventions.

Lifestyle Changes

Simple lifestyle changes can help manage GERD symptoms, such as:

1. Losing weight if you are overweight
2. Avoiding trigger foods and beverages, like spicy foods, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol
3. Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals
4. Not lying down or going to bed for at least 3 hours after eating
5. Raising the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to prevent acid reflux during sleep

Medications

According to our functional medicine Studio City experts, several medications can help manage GERD symptoms, including:

1. Antacids: Over-the-counter medications that neutralize stomach acid, providing quick relief for heartburn
2. H2 blockers: Medications that reduce acid production in the stomach, such as ranitidine, famotidine, or cimetidine
3. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Stronger medications that block acid production and promote healing of the esophagus, such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, or esomeprazole

Conclusion

Living with GERD can be challenging, but with the right treatment plan and lifestyle changes, you can effectively manage your symptoms and prevent complications. By understanding GERD and taking steps to manage it, you can improve your digestive health and overall well-being.

For more information about our functional medicine Burbank, please reach out to our experts in Functional Medicine Los Angeles.