Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a problem affects an estimated 25 to 35 percent of people some time during the course of their lives. It is a more serious form of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) that can have lasting effects and even lead to serious health conditions. GERD causes stomach acids and stomach bile to back up into the esophagus. This causes a heartburn sensation and, if not dealt with properly, can irritate and inflame the lining of the esophagus. Learning to diagnose and treat this condition is essential in avoiding the more serious complications that can arise.
The most common cause of GERD is when the band of muscle around the lower end of the esophagus fails, allowing stomach acids to flow backwards. If can affect those of any age, and other health conditions, such as hiatal hernia, can contribute to its severity. Other factors that may increase the likelihood of GERD are obesity, pregnancy and smoking. Certain food will also exacerbate the condition, including citrus, fatty or fried foods, tomato-based foods, spicy foods and caffeine or alcohol drinks.
GERD can be commonly mistaken for a number of other conditions, including dyspepsia, angina, asthma and other gastrointestinal problems. The main symptom of this condition is frequent heartburn. The general rule is that if heartburn is occurring more than twice a week, it can be a sign that one has GERD. Some people with this disease may exhibit no heartburn symptoms, however. Sometimes the disease manifests in other symptoms, such as a dry cough, trouble swallowing or symptoms that resemble asthma.
To those that suspect they have GERD, there are a number of diagnostic tests that can be run by a health care professional. An ambulatory acid probe test is considered the most reliable method for testing GERD, in which a thin wire with an acid sensor is inserted into the esophagus and the levels of acid are monitored. A wireless acid monitor is also sometimes used, which monitor acid levels over the course of a few days to determine if there is a problem.
Other diagnostic methods can determine if there are problems with the esophagus which may lead to GERD. A motility study uses a catheter inserted through the nose and into the esophagus to measure the movement and pressure in the esophagus as well as the strength of the valve that connects it with the stomach. An upper endoscopy uses a camera on the end of a tube to examine the esophagus, stomach and the upper part of the small intestine to find irregularities. Barium swallow radiography uses x-rays to determine if there are abnormalities in the esophagus, such as ulcers or strictures, which may be contributing to GERD.
If left untreated, GERD can lead to serious complications in the esophagus. Bleeding and ulcers may occur (esophagitis), or scarring may create strictures which make it difficult for a person to swallow. It can often worsen other conditions such as asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. In worst cases, untreated GERD can lead to esophageal cancer.
Learn more information about that causes and cures for GERD by visiting Reflux Remedy today!