Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) happens when your stomach contents come back up into your esophagus. Acid reflux and heartburn are common conditions many people experience from time to time. However, if symptoms are chronic (two or more times a week), you may be diagnosed with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Signs and symptoms of GERD may include:
*Seek immediate medical attention if you have chest pain, especially with other symptoms like arm pain, as these may be signs of heart attack.
Certain factors can increase your risk for developing GERD; other factors can aggravate your acid reflux associated with GERD. Risk factors for developing GERD include:
Risk factors for aggravating acid reflux can include:
GER and GERD happen when your lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak or relaxes when it shouldn’t, causing stomach contents to rise up into the esophagus (reflux). Things that may cause this include:
Constant acid reflux can wear away the esophageal lining, causing complications such as bleeding or esophageal narrowing.
Your Northeast Digestive Health Center doctor may diagnose GERD following a physical exam and reviewing your medical history. Additional tests may be required to confirm or rule out other causes. This may include blood, stool or breath tests. Your doctor may also order an endoscopy to examine your upper digestive system.
You may be able to control GERD by avoiding reflux triggers, like:
Many people can manage GERD on their own. But some people may need stronger medications, or even surgery. Your gastroenterologist will recommend treatment following determination of potential underlying causes of your reflux symptoms.
GERD is a condition in which acid backs up, or refluxes, into the esophagus.
If you have occasional and mild symptoms of heartburn, you probably do not have GERD. However, if you have symptoms of heartburn all the time, have large amounts of acid refluxing into your esophagus, or tissue damage, you may have GERD.
GERD occurs when your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) weakens so much that it does not close tightly, which allows the acid to reflux into your esophagus.
Over time, GERD can cause complications, such as:
Only your doctor can determine if you have GERD. Consult with your doctor if you experience heartburn that:
Treatment for GERD is a long-term approach that focuses on reducing or controlling symptoms, healing injured esophageal tissue, and preventing or managing complications. Treatment typically includes lifestyle changes, medicines, surgery, or a combination of approaches.
Make an appointment with your Concord gastroenterologist, who determine if you have GERD and suggest a course of treatment.