The week of Thanksgiving, traditionally a time for overeating and subsequent heartburn, marks the fifth annual GERD Awareness Week. The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), which sponsors the week, wants to educate people about the symptoms and risks of untreated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This year, the GERD Awareness Week is November 23-29.GERD affects more than 21 million Americans. People with this condition have a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscle that serves as a gateway between the esophagus and the stomach. When the LES is weak it is unable to completely close the esophagus. This causes stomach acid to back up into the esophagus and results in heartburn.
Although GERD’s most recognizable symptom is frequent heartburn (at least two episodes per week), there are other symptoms to watch out for: regurgitation, coughing, difficult or painful swallowing, nausea, an acidic or sour aftertaste in the mouth, a burning sensation at the back of the throat, and frequent belching.
Diet and lifestyle changes should be the first line of treatment for GERD, and may help alleviate the symptoms of GERD. Making some of the following changes to your habits may control your symptoms:
eating smaller portions at mealtime
eating at least two hours before bedtime
avoiding food and beverages that weaken the LES, including chocolate, peppermint, fatty foods, coffee, and alcoholic beverages
avoiding food and beverages that can irritate a damaged esophageal lining, including citrus fruits and juices, tomato and tomato products, and pepper
losing weight
stopping smoking.Many people take antacids to treat the symptoms of heartburn, but these may not bring long-term relief. There are more effective treatments available for those who suffer from GERD. Proton pump inhibitors, available by prescription and over-the-counter, block the acid-producing mechanism of the stomach. If medicine doesn’t help, surgery and endoscopic procedures can tighten or strengthen the LES, reducing reflux.
While GERD in itself may be more irritating than dangerous, if left untreated it can lead to life-threatening conditions. The acid can scar the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow. Chronic cough and asthma can result from GERD. The frequent occurrence of acid in the esophagus can change its cellular makeup, a condition called Barrett’s esophagus. Approximately 10% of those who suffer from GERD develop Barrett’s esophagus. This condition, in turn, increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
If you are experiencing symptoms of GERD, discuss your symptoms and appropriate treatment with your physician. In addition, the IFFGD encourages you to call their Heartburn Hotline at 888-964-2001 or visit their website at www.aboutgerd.org for information about GERD.
