GERD - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and irritation.
Overview
GERD affects approximately 7-20% of the Indian population. It is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders seen in outpatient clinics.
While occasional acid reflux is normal, GERD is diagnosed when reflux occurs more than twice a week or causes complications. Lifestyle changes and medications can effectively manage most cases.
Symptoms of GERD
- Chest PainPrimary
Chest pain is any discomfort or pain felt in the area between the neck and upper abdomen. It can have many causes, ranging from minor issues to serious, life-threatening conditions.
- Sore ThroatPrimary
A sore throat is pain, scratchiness, or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. It is most commonly caused by viral infections.
- Cough
A cough is a reflex action to clear the airways of mucus, irritants, and foreign particles. It can be acute (lasting less than 3 weeks) or chronic (lasting more than 8 weeks).
- Nausea
Nausea is an uneasy feeling in the stomach that often comes before vomiting. It can be caused by many conditions including infections, pregnancy, motion sickness, and digestive disorders.
- Difficulty Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is when it takes more effort or time to move food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach.
- Bloating
Bloating is a feeling of fullness, tightness, or swelling in the abdomen, often accompanied by gas and discomfort.
Causes of GERD
Weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
Hiatal hernia
Obesity and excess abdominal fat
Pregnancy
Delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis)
Certain foods (spicy, fatty, citrus)
Smoking and alcohol
Certain medications (NSAIDs, calcium channel blockers)
Treatment for GERD
Lifestyle and dietary modifications
Antacids for occasional relief
H2 receptor blockers (ranitidine, famotidine)
Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole)
Prokinetic agents
Surgery (fundoplication) for severe cases
Endoscopic procedures
Prevention
Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Avoid eating 2-3 hours before bedtime
Elevate the head of the bed
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid trigger foods (spicy, acidic, fatty)
Quit smoking and limit alcohol
Wear loose-fitting clothing
Risk Factors
Obesity
Hiatal hernia
Pregnancy
Smoking
Eating large meals or eating late at night
Consuming trigger foods
Certain medications
Connective tissue disorders
When to See a Doctor
See a gastroenterologist if you have heartburn more than twice a week, difficulty swallowing, persistent nausea, unexplained weight loss, or if over-the-counter medications are not providing relief.
Need help with GERD?
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Which Doctor to Consult for GERD
If you are experiencing symptoms of gerd, you may want to consult a specialist in one of these areas:
Related Conditions
These conditions share similar symptoms with gerd and may be relevant:
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses, causing nasal congestion, facial pain, and thick nasal discharge.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is an allergic response causing sneezing, congestion, itchy nose, and runny nose when you breathe in allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both).
Gastritis
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen.
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease, caused by plaque buildup in the walls of arteries that supply blood to the heart.
FAQS
GERD FAQs
Common questions about gerd.
GERD can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes and medications, but it is often a chronic condition. Some patients may need long-term medication. Surgery (fundoplication) can provide long-term relief in severe cases.
Common trigger foods include spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, coffee, carbonated drinks, fried and fatty foods, garlic, onions, and alcohol. Triggers vary between individuals.
Medical Disclaimer
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