09/26/2024
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), more commonly known as acid reflux, includes heartburn and the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach).
Symptoms of acid reflux may include stomach pain, nausea, difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing. Other possible manifestations of GERD include:
Cough or chest pain
Sore throat or hoarseness
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Causes and triggers
The causes of GERD vary, and may be associated with the following:
A problem with the lower esophageal sphincter, which prevents stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus
A problem with the passage of food in the esophagus
Slowed digestion
Excessive production of stomach acid
Bile reflux
Symptoms may be made worse by bending forward, lying down, smoking, and eating fatty foods or foods that are irritating (e.g., chocolate, coffee, alcohol). Obesity, age, pregnancy, and the use of certain medications can also contribute to symptoms.
Treatment
Making certain lifestyle changes can help alleviate acid reflux. Here are a few measures you can take to prevent new reflux episodes:
Eat small meals more often throughout the day (five to six times a day)
Avoid foods that worsen symptoms such as mint and fatty foods
Caution: do not stop eating whole food groups without first speaking to a medical professional
Avoid alcohol and soft drinks
Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate)
Avoid exercising or bending forward after eating
Avoid tight-fitting clothing
Raise the head of the bed by about 10 cm
It may also be in your best interest not to lie down right after a meal, to quit smoking, to reduce your stress, and to achieve a healthy weight.
Certain over-the-counter medications, such as antacids (e.g., Tums, Gaviscon) or medications that decrease stomach acid production (e.g. Pepcid, Nexium), may relieve your symptoms. It is advised, however, that you speak to your pharmacist before taking these products. Other medications used to treat GERD are available by prescription.
When should I see a medical professional?
If you think your medication may be the source of your GERD
If you suffer from persistent nausea or vomiting
If you vomit or spit up blood or if you have blood in your stools
If you have difficulty swallowing or if swallowing is painful
If you experience unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
If your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment
If you have chest pain
If you have laryngitis, a chronic cough or hoarseness
If you are asthmatic and your asthma is not well controlled
For more information:
Canadian Society of Intestinal Research
