Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A condition that can affect anyone at any time

• Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include a burning sensation in the center of the chest and frequent burping, although there are other indicators that may not be so obviously linked to the condition, such as chest pain, chronic coughing, inflamed sinuses, laryngitis or ear infection.
• People who suffer from stress are more prone than others to rapid development of the symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• If left untreated to the extent that the condition becomes chronic, gastroesophageal reflux disease can significantly increase a person’s risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Some health disorders are caused by factors related to an inappropriate lifestyle. One such disorder is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. This disorder is much more frequently mentioned these days, and it’s no surprise given that acid reflux is a condition that can affect anybody.

Acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, in the medical profession. It is a condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. Even infants are at risk of displaying symptoms. GERD is a digestive disorder whereby acid originating in the stomach is refluxed—sent backwards—into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest alongside frequent burping, both of which can have a significant impact in the daily life of the sufferer.

GERD is one of a number of conditions caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices, including lying down after eating, sleeping right after eating, regularly consuming oily foods, and overeating. Such behaviors may cause abnormalities in the distal esophageal sphincter or irregularities that affect peristalsis, leading to an increase in stomach acid being refluxed into the esophagus.

There are a number of symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease that are both obvious and less distinct, although the clearest indicators are a burning sensation in the chest alongside frequent burping. Nevertheless, there is no shortage of people who visit their doctor as a result of symptoms that are much more subtle. These patients may come in for a number of reasons, including chest pain, chronic coughing, sinus inflammation, laryngitis or ear infection. The doctor in charge of diagnosis may not initially be able to identify the true cause of these symptoms, and the patient may be referred to other departments before their gastroesophageal reflux disease is eventually diagnosed.

As previously mentioned, this disease is a result of unhealthy lifestyle factors. The main factors to be aware of include being overweight, as well as behaviors related to eating and sleeping, such as lying down too soon after finishing a meal. Dietary factors include eating sour fruits like oranges and lemons, or frequently consuming chocolate or foods containing mint. Such foods cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax with greater frequency, which has the effect of bringing stomach acid up into the esophagus. Smoking and regularly drinking alcohol or carbonated beverages are also factors that play crucial roles in the onset of GERD.

Acid reflux can be directly linked to stress due to the effect that stress can have on various bodily functions. Medical professionals usually find that people who suffer from stress tend to develop a condition known as esophageal hypersensitivity, which makes the esophagus much more sensitive to acidity. Esophageal hypersensitivity means that even a small amount of acid in the esophagus can result in immediate symptoms, affecting sufferers much more acutely than the general population.

The first step in treatment is to consult a doctor who will check your medical history in order to identify potential risk factors that may be causing acid reflux. If a patient is diagnosed as suffering from the disorder, doctors will initially advise lifestyle changes capable of reducing these risk factors. The doctor may also prescribe antacid medication. Making lifestyle modifications does not need to be a strenuous task, and doctors will make dietary recommendations regarding the amounts and types of food that may relieve the situation. Patients may also be advised not to eat for at least 3 hours prior to sleeping. Furthermore, avoiding smoking and alcohol are also crucial steps toward effectively reducing the occurrence of the disease.

When left untreated to the extent that it becomes chronic, acid reflux can lead to esophageal ulcers or a narrowing of the esophagus that results in difficulties swallowing. Severe cases of acid reflux can eventually lead to esophageal cancer due to the distal esophageal sphincter remaining in a constant acidic state, leaving the cells located there at risk of mutating into cancer.

Buying over-the-counter medication can be effective, however it is advised that you first consult a doctor in order to receive a detailed diagnosis. Even though you may identify certain symptoms as being consistent with acid reflux, it doesn’t always mean that this is the true cause of your problems. And while over-the-counter remedies can be effective, it is not always the best course of action as some of these drugs are capable of negatively impacting our bodies when taken over an extended period.

Patients who are suffering from traditional symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, such as a burning sensation in the chest and frequent burping, may not require any additional screening. Many within this group are capable of bringing their symptoms under control by making lifestyle changes and taking medication. If they respond to such courses of action, it is highly likely they were suffering from GERD.

However, patients who do not respond to these courses of action may require supplementary screening. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, aimed at identifying the presence of other disorders, is often being the first option for medical staff. In cases where a clear cut diagnosis is required so that the proper subsequent treatment may be planned, doctors will recommend a 24-hour esophageal pH test that can offer a detailed analysis of the patient’s situation.

The Liver and Digestive Institute uses innovative, state-of-the-art medical equipment necessary to provide speedy, accurate and reliable screening for a complete range of gastrointestinal and liver disorders. Our team of expert medical staff has experience from within Thailand and abroad. The Liver and Digestive Institute, located on the 1st Floor of The Japanese Hospital, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.