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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease—Overview(Chronic Heartburn; Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease [GORD]; GERD; Reflux)
by
Debra Wood, RN See also: DefinitionHeartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone. Stomach acid and food back up from the stomach into the esophagus. It irritates the lining of the esophagus. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or bending over. Heartburn that occurs often and gets in the way of day-to-day life may be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It can damage your esophagus. GERD can also cause Barretts esophagus, a change in the cells that can lead to cancer.
CausesA muscular ring controls the opening between the esophagus and the stomach. It relaxes to let food pass into the stomach. Then it closes shut to keep stomach acid and food in the stomach. If the ring does not close completely, stomach acids can escape up into the esophagus. The acid irritates the esophagus and causes heartburn. There are a number of reasons that the ring may not close tightly including:
Risk FactorsFactors that may increase your chance of heartburn or GERD include:
Foods and drinks that are more likely to cause symptoms include:
Medications and supplements that cause symptoms may include:
SymptomsHeartburn often occurs after overeating or lying down after a big meal. The symptoms may last for a few minutes or a few hours. Common symptoms may include:
The repeated, regular episodes can lead to other symptoms such as:
Long-term complications of GERD may include:
When Should I Call My Doctor?Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have heartburn 2 or more times a week, every week. DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. Heartburn or GERD will be suspected based on your symptoms. Your doctor may do a trial with medicine. If your symptoms are managed with medicine it will confirm GERD. Further testing is not always needed. Your doctor may order the following to better plan treatment:
TreatmentTreatment will depend the cause of the heartburn. The goal is to prevent further symptoms and heal any damage. Lifestyle ChangesTracking food can help to learn what may be causing the most problems. Avoiding foods can help avoid heartburn. It can also help to lower pressure on stomach by:
Other steps that may ease heartburn include:
MedicationMedicine may help relieve symptoms. Some can also help to repair damage. They can treat heartburn that has started or may help stop heartburn from starting. Many heartburn medicines are available over-the-counter such as:
Talk to your doctor about which ones may be best for you. Some should only be used for short periods of time. SurgeryHeartburn that is severe or does not respond to treatment may need surgery. Options include: FundoplicationThe most common surgery for GERD is fundoplication. The doctor wraps the stomach around the esophagus. This helps to keep the opening to the stomach closed. Endoscopic Antireflux ProceduresThere are a number of procedures that can be done with an endoscope. The scope passes through the mouth to the stomach to complete procedures. One example is transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF). With TIF, fasteners are used to reshape the upper part of the stomach. It will help to tighten the opening to the stomach. LINX Reflux Management SystemLINX is a small band with magnetic beads. A surgeon places the band around the end of the esophagus where it meets the stomach. The magnets pull together to help close the opening. Swallowed food or drink push apart the beads so that it can move into the stomach. Some people will be able to stop or reduce medicine after surgery. PreventionThere are no current guidelines to prevent GERD. RESOURCES:American Gastroenterological Association http://www.gastro.org National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https://www.niddk.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCESCanadian Association of Gastroenterology https://www.cag-acg.org Canadian Digestive Health Foundation http://www.cdhf.ca References:Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at:
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults. Accessed January 26, 2021. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed January 26, 2021. Heartburn. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
https://familydoctor.org/condition/heartburn/.
Accessed January 26, 2021. Warning signs of a heart attack. American Heart Association website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed January 26, 2021. 4/25/2014 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance ...(Click grey area to select URL) Shimamoto T, Yamamichi N. No association of coffee consumption with gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, reflux esophagitis, and non-erosive reflux disease: A cross-sectional study of 8,013 healthy subjects in Japan. PLoS One. 2013;8(6):e65996. Last reviewed January 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review BoardNicole S. Meregian, PA Last Updated: 1/26/2021 | ||