Many people experience occasional acid reflux, known commonly as heartburn, which is uncomfortable but manageable with over-the-counter treatments. However, chronic acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can cause significant damage to the tissues in the esophagus and stomach, severely impacting quality of life. If you experience GERD, you can access quality care close to home. The experts at WMCHealth have experienced specialists and advanced treatments to help you find relief.
What Is Acid Reflux Versus GERD?
Acid reflux is when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus or throat, usually within hours of eating or drinking. If you experience this chronically—at least twice for several weeks—you may have GERD.
While acid reflux is common, it’s usually temporary and occasional. A GERD diagnosis indicates a constant and mechanical issue meaning that the body’s mechanisms aren’t working properly to keep stomach acid from backing up.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux and GERD
Symptoms of acid reflux and GERD may include:
- Nausea
- Upper abdominal pain
- Burning sensation (heartburn)
- Asthma symptoms, such as coughing or wheezing
- Regurgitation of foods or liquids into your throat after eating
These symptoms may worsen:
- While lying down
- After a large meal
- When bending over
- After drinking or smoking
Causes of Acid Reflux and GERD
Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve at the base of your esophagus, relaxes to allow acid back up the esophagus. For those with occasional acid reflux, this may happen if you lay down after a large meal. But if you have GERD, many things could contribute to a weakened LES. These could include:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Medications
- Congenital defects
- Underlying medical conditions
- Prior surgery in the abdominal region
Foods and drinks can’t cause acid reflux on their own, but they can contribute to it. For instance, fattier foods increase stomach acid and take longer to digest. This means there is more opportunity for acid to back up into the esophagus.
Complications of Acid Reflux and GERD
Acid reflux and GERD are not just uncomfortable but can cause serious damage and result in numerous complications, so they should not be ignored. Complications could include:
- Asthma
- Esophagitis
- Esophageal stricture
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux
Treatment for Acid Reflux and GERD
Lifestyle Changes
Many people can reduce symptoms of acid reflux and GERD with lifestyle changes, including:
- Losing weight
- Adjusting eating habits
- Reducing alcohol and tobacco use
Medication
Over-the-counter options like antacids or prescription medications can block stomach acid.
Surgery
Lifestyle changes and medicine work to reduce symptoms, but they don’t prevent acid reflux from occurring. In rare cases, where GERD is severe and continues to cause complications despite the use of medicine, you may need a surgical treatment to tighten the LES valve. These procedures are minor and effective. The ENT specialists at WMCHealth are experts in this minimally invasive procedure and can provide you with relief.