What You Need to Know About Acid Reflux and What is GERD?

Many people are familiar with the term acid reflux. They think of heartburn or an acidic taste in the mouth and throat. Did you know that when you get that feeling frequently it could mean that you have gastroesophageal reflux disease? This name can be a mouthful so it is usually abbreviated and referred to as GERD.

Acid reflux and/or GERD happens when stomach acid backflows into the esophagus which is the tube that connects the mouth and the stomach. The sphincter that is supposed to stop your stomach contents from flowing back weakens and allows the stomach’s acids to flow backward. The acid irritates the esophagus. It is normal to have acid reflux every once in a while but if it occurs more regularly then you may have GERD. The rule of thumb is if you have mild acid reflux twice a week or moderate to severe acid reflux once a week then you have GERD. In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 20% of people have GERD.

Symptoms of GERD

The main symptom of GERD is having a burning sensation in the chest area which is often referred to as heartburn. It often occurs after eating. Other symptoms include chest pain, swallowing issues, regurgitation of stomach contents, and the feeling of a lump in your throat.

Causes and Risk Factors of GERD As mentioned previously, GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux which happens when a weak sphincter allows stomach acid to flow back up the esophagus. Some factors could put you at more risk of developing GERD such as obesity, Hiatal hernias, pregnancy, tissue disorders, and delayed stomach emptying.

Diagnosing GERD

In most cases, your primary care healthcare professional can diagnose you with GERD based on symptoms. If they want to confirm, check for complications, or further evaluate there are tests and procedures that they can order. Upper endoscopy uses a camera to see down your esophagus and into your stomach. The camera takes pictures and the physician exams for inflammation and other possible abnormalities. Another test is a special type of x-ray of the upper digestive system. This type of x-ray is unique because a liquid or pill is administered before the x-ray to help with the imaging clarity. Less commonly used testing includes an ambulatory acid probe test which is a monitor that is worn and assesses when you have acid reflux and for how long. Lastly, an esophageal manometry test assesses the strength of the muscles in your esophagus when swallowing.

Lifestyles Changes to Treat and Prevent GERD

Oftentimes healthcare professionals will recommend lifestyle changes to manage GERD before starting on medication. Several methods can help relieve GERD.

  1. Start keeping a food diary. Some foods may trigger your acid reflux. Foods that are known to commonly cause acid reflux include fried foods, pizza, processed foods, chili powder, spicy foods, high-fat meats, cheese, citrus, and carbonated drinks. Everyone is different and that is why it is important to keep a food diary and look for any specific foods that may be causing acid reflux.
  2. Diet modification to include foods that can help prevent acid reflux may also be useful in addition to avoiding trigger foods. Including high fiber foods in your diet help make you feel full faster while eating less. Eating large meals can trigger acid reflux. Alkaline foods may help balance the pH of your stomach acid. Alkaline foods include bananas, melons, cauliflower, fennel, and nuts. Food containing a lot of water will also help weaken stomach acid by diluting it. Watery foods include watermelon, lettuce, cucumbers, and celery.
  3. Eating small meals and eating slowly will help with reflux. Eating large meals can fill the stomach and cause the stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Instead, it is recommended that individuals with acid reflux should eat small meals slowly.
  4. Don’t work out after eating. A causal walk is okay but doing a full workout shortly after eating will encourage the stomach acid to back up into the esophagus.
  5. Lose weight if needed. One of the risk factors of GERD is obesity. If you lose weight it may reduce or get rid of your GERD.
  6. Stay in an upward position for three hours after eating. Don’t lay down after eating because this will easily allow the acid to backflow due to gravity. Sleeping on an incline may be necessary if you often get acid reflux throughout the night.
  7. Quit smoking. The nicotine in many smoking products can relax the esophageal sphincter which allows acid to back up.
  8. Review your medications with your healthcare professional. Certain types of medications can cause acid reflux.

Over-the-counter Medications for GERD

If lifestyle changes are not helping or you need quick relief there are over-the-counter medications that can be purchased to help with GERD and acid reflux.

Antacids

help neutralize stomach acid. There are many common antacids for purchase such as Tums, Rolaids, and Mylanta. These medications relieve symptoms but they will not fix GERD or help inflammation in the esophagus. If antacids are overused it can cause diarrhea and kidney issues.

H-2 receptor blockers

are a type of medication that helps reduce stomach acid production. These do not provide quick relief like antacids but provide longer-lasting effects. Common brands include famotidine, nizatidine, and cimetidine.

Proton pump inhibitors

also reduce acid production plus help the esophagus to heal. Common brands include lansoprazole and omeprazole.

Prescribed Medications for GERD

Both H-2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors can be prescribed by your healthcare professional. The prescription-strength version of these medications is usually stronger than the over-the-counter versions. If needed your healthcare professional may prescribe a medication such as Baclofen which can help strengthen the esophageal sphincter to prevent GERD.

Complications of GERD

If GERD goes untreated for a long time or is very severe it can cause chronic inflammation of the esophagus. Possible complications include narrowing of the esophagus, ulcers, and a condition called Barrett’s esophagus. Having surgery performed for GERD is not common but may be recommended if your healthcare professional thinks it is necessary or if you are having complications related to GERD.

Summary

If you think you may have GERD please see your healthcare provider. The most common symptoms of GERD are acid reflux or heartburn which causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat. GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux which happens when a weak sphincter allows stomach acid to flow back up the esophagus. There are risk factors that may increase the chance of having GERD. It is usually easily diagnosed but may require testing. There are many methods of treatment and prevention including lifestyle modifications, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications. If GERD is not treated it can lead to more serious health conditions.

About the Author

Victoria Derlin is a nurse who started her career working in acute care and now works in primary care. She is passionate about advocating for nurses and patients. In her spare time, she rides horses, reads lots of books, bakes delicious pies, and spends time with her family. You can connect with her on instagram @nurse.vicki.rn

Resources

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020, May 22). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Definition & Facts for Ger & Gerd. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/definition-facts

9 ways to relieve acid reflux without medication.Harvard Health. (2021, November 16). Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/digestive-health/9-ways-to-relieve-acid-reflux-without-medication

Gupta, E. (n.d.). Gerd diet: Foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/gerd-diet-foods-that-help-with-acid-reflux-heartburn