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GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is the backflow of stomach contents (including stomach acid) upward into the esophagus (the swallowing tube that extends from the mouth to the stomach and sits behind the breast bone).

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn. It’s common in Canada, affecting adults and children.

The lining of the stomach protects the stomach from the effects of its own acids. Because the esophagus lacks a similar protective lining, stomach acid that flows backward (refluxes) into it causes heartburn (also called dyspepsia).

Many people experience heartburn occasionally; however, people who get heartburn or other GERD symptoms persistently are considered to have GERD. GERD is the most common acid-related condition in Canada, affecting 5% to 12% of the population. Adults, children, and even infants can have GERD.

GERD occurs when the valve located at the bottom of the esophagus (called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES) that normally keeps acid in the stomach isn't functioning properly. Acid that moves from the stomach into the esophagus damages its lining and can cause burning and pain.

Risk factors are characteristics that may increase your chance of developing a condition. Risk factors for GERD include:

The following foods can cause symptoms of GERD, but may not necessarily cause GERD itself:

GERD may sometimes be associated with a condition called hiatus hernia in which a portion of the stomach lining pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. People with severe GERD almost always have a hiatus hernia.

The main symptom of GERD is heartburn, which is a burning pain behind the breastbone that can travel to the back of the throat. The pain can last up to 2 hours and is often worsened by eating, lying down, or bending over. Infants with GERD show signs of irritability, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Because heartburn and a heart attack have similar symptoms, it is important to note their differences. For someone having a heart attack, burning pain generally travels progressively down the left arm or both arms. For someone with GERD, the burning pain is localized to the upper chest. In addition, exercise may worsen the chest pain for someone having a heart attack (or someone with heart disease), while rest and certain medications may help to relieve it. On the other hand, the burning pain associated with GERD is usually not affected by physical activity. In any case, even people with characteristic features of GERD may require tests to ensure the symptoms are not being caused by a heart attack.

Other symptoms of GERD include regurgitation (swallowed food or liquid going back up into the throat or mouth), a sour or bitter taste in the throat or back of the mouth, excessive saliva, belching, upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting. Both adults and infants who inhale the reflux acid may experience coughing, hoarseness, or wheezing. Symptoms of GERD are generally worse after meals.

If GERD is not managed well, other complications can arise over time. These include:

Doctors usually diagnose GERD by assessing symptoms. Only people with severe chronic heartburn are likely to be tested for GERD.

Endoscopy is the test of choice for people who need further testing. A diagnostic tool called an endoscope is used, which is a fibre-optic tube passed down the throat that permits the doctor to see the inside of the esophagus.

There are also tests to measure the pH (acidity) of the esophagus and the internal pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

People who have had regular or daily heartburn for more than 5 years have an increased risk of Barrett’s esophagus. People over the age of 50 who also have other risk factors such as smoking or obesity, may be tested using endoscopic biopsy (endoscopy with biopsy). For other patients, many doctors perform regular checkups to look for changes that may eventually develop into cancerous growths.

Most symptoms of GERD can be managed with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Surgery is reserved for people with severe complications but is needed only rarely.

Medications* that can be used to neutralize stomach acid are antacids (e.g., aluminum or magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, bismuth subsalicylate). Medications* that keep stomach acid away from the esophagus are alginates (sodium alginate). Medications* that can be used to reduce the production of stomach acid include H2-antagonists (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, nizatidine) and proton pump inhibitors (e.g., dexlansoprazole, omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole). When prescribing proton pump inhibitors, your doctor may put you on an 8-week trial and then assess your symptoms.

In addition to medications, symptoms of GERD can be improved by making one or more lifestyle changes. For example:

Most people can have successful treatment by taking medications and making lifestyle and diet changes.