Gastroesophageal Reflux (Gerd)
Description
Backward flow of contents from the stomach into the esophagus causes gastroesophageal reflux or heartburn. The digestive fluid in the stomach irritates the lining of the esophagus, and over a long period of time can cause esophageal strictures. Lying flat while sleeping may worsen the symptoms. The following conditions increase the risk of this condition: drinking alcohol, obesity, smoking, pregnancy, diabetes, and scleroderma.
Symptoms
Burning in throat and chest, acid taste in mouth, burning pain in chest that goes away with antacids, regurgitation of food into throat, nausea, chronic cough, hoarseness.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests may be done to rule out other causes of similar pain. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) may be be performed to visualize the esophageal irritation.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Troponin
- D-Dimer
- X-Ray
- EKG
- CT Scan
Treatment
Patients should avoid lifestyle activities that worsen the disease. Treatment depends on the severity of the illness and includes: proton pump inhibitors (omperazole/Prilosec, pantoprazole/Protonix), H2 blockers (cimetidine/Tagamet, ranitidine/Zantac), antacids, and pro-motility drugs (metaclopromide/Reglan). Surgery may be recommended for severe and persistent symptoms. The most common procedure is called a fundoplication. For more information contact the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov or call (800) 891-5389.
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