Understanding GERD [2020]

What is GERD?

GERD - or gastroesophageal reflux disease - is a digestive disease that causes chronic acid reflux. A long-term condition, GERD affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

The lower esophageal is the ring of muscles between the stomach and the esophagus that acts as an opening and shutting valve; opening to allow food to enter and shutting to prevent food and your stomach contents from leaving. When your valve fails to close properly, your stomach contents can go back into your esophagus (reflux). This includes your stomach acids and pepsin, a digestive enzyme that can burn your esophageal lining and cause heartburn.

WHAT ARE GERD SYMPTOMS?

GERD symptoms can range from uncomfortable to more severe symptoms that include the following:

Unintended weight loss
Heartburn or a burning sensation in your chest/stomach
Sore throat
Trouble swallowing
Feeling like food is trapped in your chest or throat
Nausea
Regurgitation
Anemia
Sleep disturbance
Hoarseness
Belching
Tooth erosion – bad breath
Respiratory problems
Abdominal pain
Dyspepsia starting after 55 years of age

Consider it an emergency if you are:

Vomiting large amounts
Projectile vomiting
Your vomit is green or yellow
Your vomit looks like coffee grounds
Tarry black or red stool

WHO DOES GERD EFFECT?

1 in 6 adult Canadians are affected by GERD and about 15-30% of Americans.

Gerd or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is widespread and can affect 2.5% to over 25% of the population – North America is estimated at 15%.

You also are at higher risk to develop gastroesophageal reflux disease if the following relates to you:

Family history of GERD
Obesity (increases your risk of GERD by 6X)
Male (more likely to develop heartburn)
Pregnancy
Excessive drinking alcohol
Scleroderma
Hiatal hernia (part of your stomach protrudes into the diaphragm muscle)
High-cholesterol diet
Taking certain medications like sedatives, alpha-blockers, nitrates, painkillers, antidepressants, antihistamines
Smoke or experience second-hand smoke regularly

GERD RISKS

Untreated, GERD can be dangerous and cause major damage to your esophagus like scarring, ulcers, and bleeding.

15% of adult Canadians with GERD may develop Barrett’s Esophagus; Esophageal cancer is the main risk factor for Barrett’s Esophagus – only 14% of people with esophageal cancer will live more than 5 years after diagnosis.

HOW DO YOU PREVENT GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE?

There are many ways to control or prevent GERD symptoms from happening abd here are some simple changes to your lifestyle that can help:

Figure out your trigger foods - foods like chocolate, hot sauce, fried foods, peppermint, alcohol, carbonated drinks and anything spicy might cause acid reflux
Keep a healthy body weight
Eat small meals – creating less pressure on your LES
Try not to eat or drink before bed – up to 3-4 hours
Angle your body while sleeping (elevating your upper body)
Quit your nicotine habit
Try to move around after you eat
Avoid tight clothing around your midsection
Try to stay upright for 3-4 hours after eating and/or go for a short walk