Some people may experience problems from acid reflux in areas other than the esophagus.
Some individuals need medication on a daily maintenance basis.ĭoes having GERD for a long time put me at risk of other illnesses? This may include using it as necessary when symptoms recur. If altering lifestyle measures do not prevent the symptoms from recurring then individuals may require medication on a long term basis. The symptoms of heartburn will therefore often recur after the medication is stopped. The medications work to decrease the acid production by the stomach and once you stop the drugs the stomach returns to its normal ability to make acid. The medications are very effective to treat reflux. There are no specific symptoms for Barrett’s esophagus and the risk of a cancer developing in the setting of a Barrett’s esophagus is very low.ĭo the medications for GERD cure acid reflux? A gastroscopy with esophageal biopsies is the only definitive way to make this diagnosis of a Barrett’s esophagus. Scleroderma is a rheumatological problem that can lead to reflux secondary to poor esophageal emptying and a decreased lower esophageal sphincter pressure.ġ5% of patients who have GERD may develop a Barrett’s esophagus which results in a change in the normal esophageal mucosa to a type of lining that is more of an intestinal type. Certain medications can contribute to reflux. Ulcers or cancers that block the stomach from emptying can cause reflux. This can also occur after certain stomach surgeries. Patients with long standing diabetes may develop decreased gastric emptying due to nerve injury to the stomach. If you have a diagnosis of GERD based upon symptoms, take PPIs regularly, and still have reflux symptoms, speak to a GI about a reflux test.Īre there certain medical conditions associated with GERD?īeing overweight is a definite aggravating factor for reflux by increasing intrabdominal pressure. Clinical studies reveal that as many as one in three patients taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) do not have GERD. Yet, symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose GERD, and testing is required for conclusive diagnosis. GERD is often diagnosed based upon symptoms and response to anti-reflux medication. Hiatal hernia, smoking, pregnancy, scleroderma, and excessive alcohol consumption are also risk factors. Obesity can increase the risk of GERD up to six-fold. Those at risk for GERD include males and people with a family history of gastrointestinal symptoms. Less common symptoms include chronic cough, sore throat, and a hoarse voice.
The common symptoms of GERD include chronic heartburn (burning pain in the chest) and regurgitation. The backwash can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. GERD causes stomach contents (food or liquid) to leak backwards into the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach). What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
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