Frequent and persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, could be more than just heartburn. It could be acid reflux disease, also known as "GERD", which is short for Gastroesphageal Reflux Disease (gas-tro-eh-sof-uh-JEE-ul RE-fluks disease).
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ACID REFLUX DISEASE CAN INCLUDE:
Persistent heartburn
Difficult or painful swallowing
Acidic or bitter taste in mouth
Non-Cardiac chest pain
Coughing
Wheezing
Hoarseness
Sore throat
What causes acid reflux disease?
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up, or "refluxes' into the esophagus. Your esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food and liquids from your mouth to your stomach. At the lower end of the esophagus, a valve called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, or LES, opens to let food and liquids enter your stomach and closes to keep acid, food, and other contents in the stomach. When the LES doesn't function properly, it lets acid back up into the esophagus. When stomach acid frequently and persistently comes in contact with the esophagus, it causes irritation that can lead to acid reflux disease. Repeated exposure to acid can cause increasing damage to the esophagus. Acid reflux disease can put you at risk for more serious complications.
Why acid reflux disease can come back.
Acid reflux disease is often a chronic condition that can be managed with treatment. Treatment usually includes diet and lifestyle commitments you can stick to and, generally, medication to reduce the stomach acid. If you have had experience with acid reflux disease, you can probably trace the return of your symptoms to the times when you stopped actively managing your condition. Managing chronic acid reflux disease takes a long-term maintenance plan from your doctor.
Which treatment option works best for you?
Here are some options you may have heard about. As always, your doctor is the best person to determine which treatment option is right for you.
Antacids are available without a prescription (over-the-counter, or "OTC") and are used primarily for heartburn. Unfortunately, they provide only limited, short-term relief. If you are experiencing heartburn for two or more than days a week, it may be a sign of a more serious problem, and you should see a doctor.
H2 Blockers are available over-the-counter and by prescription. H2 Blockers reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach but not as much as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs).
If you continue to suffer from heartburn while you are taking H2 Blockers, you should see your doctor. Your doctor may develop a different treatment plan.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are available by prescription. They block the final stage of acid production. PPIs are very effective and can relieve symptoms in most people who have acid reflux disease.
Surgery is usually recommended after all other treatment options have failed. "Fundoplication" is the standard surgical treatment for acid reflux disease. The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the LES to strengthen the sphincter and reduce acid reflux. Most patients still use anti-reflux medications regularly following surgery.
Protect against new damage
Without treatment, the damage may come back within one year, even when previous damage is successfully healed. That's why it's important to talk to your doctor about maintaining your healing if needed.
TRIGGER FOODS*
Fried and fatty foods
Heavy seasonings and spicy foods
Onions
Oranges and tomato juices
Alcoholic Beverages
Coffee
Chocolate
Peppermint and spearmint
*Different people have different triggers.
GOALS FOR DEALING WITH ACID REFLUX DISEASE:
Reduce your dietary fat intake
Eat small, well-balanced meals
Lower your weight if you are overweight
Manage stress
Avoid smoking
Avoid tight belts or tight-fitting clothing
Eat no later than two or three hours before bedtime
Elevate your bed so that the head is six to eight inches higher than your feet
Phone: (502) 893-7744
Kentuckiana Gastroenterology, P.S.C.
Suburban Medical Plaza 1
4001 Dutchmans Lane
Suite 4A
Louisville, KY 40207
