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GERD 101 - What You Need To Know About Acid Reflux
From:
Libby Ferguson
129 days 19 hours 8 minutes ago
“Surprisingly, women seek medical attention as often as men for acid reflux symptoms. Diet is the leading cause by a long shot, though it’s not just what you eat, it’s how much.” To learn more about this common gastrointestinal complaint also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Glam.com spoke with medical expert Dr. William Chey, Professor of Medicine for the Division of Gastroenterology at University of Michigan.
A: It is a condition in which the content of the stomach regurgitates into the esophagus. Liquid content, which contains acid and pepsin produced to aid digestion can inflame and eventually damage the lining of the esophagus. It is the most common gastrointestinal complaint, with an estimated 20 to 40% of the population experiencing its symptoms at least once a month.
Q: You hear of it so often in men. Do women also experience symptoms?
A: Surprisingly, GERD is just as common in women as in men. Luckily, though women commonly report acid reflux symptoms, they are less likely to develop severe damage to the lining of the esophagus or esophageal cancer than men with the same symptoms.
Q: What causes Acid Reflux or GERD?
A: By a long shot, diet is the leading cause of GERD. Fatty, greasy food is notorious for triggering a case of heartburn. How it’s the culprit is a little more technical. Food high in fat is slow to empty from the stomach and stimulates relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. When the sphincter is relaxed, it allows back up of acid, pepsin and sometimes even bile into the esophagus.
Q: Are there any other causes?
A: Eating oversized portions which can stretch the stomach is a contributor. So, it’s not just what you eat but how much. Not surprisingly then, obesity has been closely linked to acid reflux.
Q: Can acid reflux worsen during the night?
A: Absolutely. Gravity, swallowing, and saliva are important protective mechanisms for the esophagus but are only effective when an individual is standing or sitting upright. Once a person lies down, swallowing and saliva secretion slow down and gravity can’t do its thing. Therefore, reflux that occurs at night is more likely to result in acid remaining in the esophagus longer, causing greater damage. Nighttime acid reflux symptoms are more common and more disruptive than we once thought. Nighttime symptoms often disturb sleep and affect one’s ability to function the next day.
Q: Can nighttime acid reflux be avoided?
A: Not eating within 3-4 hours of bedtime and elevating the head of the bed can help reduce nighttime symptoms.
Q: Why are pregnant women more susceptible?
A: Pregnant women are highly susceptible for two reasons. The first is the obvious one in that a growing fetus will create abdominal pressure. The second is that elevated progesterone has a relaxing affect on the esophageal sphincter (also the cause of constipation in pregnant women).
Q: How is GERD diagnosed?
A: It is diagnosed by its main symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation. It is also linked to asthma, laryngitis, and a chronic cough and sore throat. Patients with one or more of those conditions might be checked for GERD.
Q: How is it treated?
A: Much like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) it is treated through diet and lifestyle modifications. If improvement isn’t reached through diet and lifestyle, medication is sometimes prescribed.
Q: Which medications provide relief?
A: There are a wide variety of drug options, with many available over the counter. Mild sufferers with occasional symptoms might consider antacids such as magnesium based Maalox or Mylanta or calcium based Tums or Rolaids (also good for bone density support in post-menopausal women). Zantac and Pepcid AC are histamine 2 blockers which reduce the production of stomach acid. These agents provide longer symptom relief than antacids. The longest lasting treatments for acid reflux are the very potent proton pump inhibitors, which are available over the counter or by prescription — Prilosec can be found on the drugstore shelf, and others including Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix, and Zegerid by prescription only.
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