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Could You Have GERD?
People often confuse heartburn and
gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD). There’s a good reason for
this. Heartburn, a burning pain behind the
breastbone that can move up to the neck
and throat, is the most common symptom
of GERD.
GERD is a condition that affects the
esophagus, the tube that connects the
throat and stomach. The muscular valve
at the bottom of the esophagus is called
the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
Normally, the LES opens to allow food
into the stomach and closes afterward.
When the LES relaxes at the wrong time,
it can allow food and acids from the
stomach to reflux, or flow back, up into
the esophagus.
Heartburn is not the only symptom of
GERD. In fact, older adults may not have
heartburn at all. Other symptoms can
include nausea, trouble swallowing,
chronic coughing, or hoarseness
Taking an over-the-counter antacid for
occasional heartburn is fine. If you use antacids
for longer than three weeks at a time,
talk to your doctor. You could have GERD.
If left untreated, GERD can damage the
lining of the esophagus — including scarring,
inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding.
The esophagus can narrow as a result of
long-term scarring. GERD also may lead to
Barrett’s esophagus, a disorder of the cells
lining the esophagus. About 5 percent to
10 percent of people with Barrett’s esophagus
develop esophageal cancer. "Even for
people who develop precancerous lesions
like Barrett’s esophagus, it can be reversed
with medication," advises Kenny Chiu,
M.D., gastroenterologist affiliated with
Ocean Medical Center.
If you are diagnosed with GERD, your
doctor may prescribe medications. Some
of these block acid production; others
speed up the emptying of the stomach. In
rare cases, surgery is needed to strengthen
the LES.
There are also a number of lifestyle
steps that can help relieve GERD. If you
are prone to heartburn, they also may
keep you from developing GERD in the
first place.
- Avoid chocolate, peppermint, coffee, and alcohol — these are known to weaken the LES.
- Keep away from citrus fruits and juices, tomato products, and pepper.
- Decrease portions at mealtime so the stomach will require less acid to do its job.
- Avoid lying down for two to three hours after eating, allowing time for acid in the stomach to decrease.
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- If you smoke, stop. Smoking weakens the LES.
- If you are carrying extra pounds, lose some weight; this may help reduce pressure on the LES.
- Elevate the head of your bed on 6-inch blocks, or sleep on a specially designed wedge. This can allow gravity to lessen reflux.
- Sleep on your left side, if possible; this position may reduce reflux.
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