Treating GERD is an Important Step in Improving Your HealthTreating GERD was important for me to reduce my health risks of obesity. At 280 pounds, I often soothed my GERD symptoms with food and that led to more weight gain.
GERD, or Gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic condition where stomach acid backflows into the esophagus. GERD develops because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscular valve between the esophagus and the stomach, no longer works correctly. Over time, the reflux of acid can cause erosion and lead to worsened health problems like ulcers or bleeding of the esophagus (the tube leading to the stomach). Bleeding and ulcers can lead to tissue damage. The tissue damage can lead to scars and cause strictures which narrow the esophagus and cause swallowing difficulties. Chronic GERD can also lead to esophageal cancer, which is often fatal. Treating GERD If you experience heartburn 2 or more times per week, have used antacids for more than 2 weeks without relief or have developed a dry cough, asthma symptoms, or difficulty swallowing, you should see your doctor to see if you have GERD. Treating GERD can be as simple as GERD diet changes, taking GERD medications or having GERD surgery.
GERD medications include over-the-counter antacids, foaming agents, H2 blockers, Proton pump inhibitors and Prokinetics. Antacids relieve heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. Over the counter antacids include Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, Tums and Titralac. Side effects of these medications include diarrhea and constipation. Check with a medical professional for your best treatment. Gaviscon is a foaming agent. Foaming agents cover your stomach contents with foam and prevent acid reflux. H2 blockers are over the counter and prescription medications that decrease acid production. Examples of H2 blockers are Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB and Zantac 75. Proton pump inhibitors heal the esophageal lining making them better than H2 blockers. Prilosec is the only over the counter Proton Pump inhibitor available. Proton pump inhibitors available by prescription include Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex and Nexium.
Treating GERD with Prokinetics includes prescription medications that strengthen the LES and empty the stomach faster. Reglan and Urecholine are Prokinetics. Prokinetics have side effects such as sleepiness, depression and problems with physical movement. Treating GERD may need a combination of medications. Your doctor can work with you for your best treatment plan. GERD Surgery If lifestyle changes and medications fail, GERD surgery is an option. Nissan fundoplication, also known as fundoplication, involves wrapping the stomach around the LES. The surgery strengthens the LES and prevents acid reflux. Repair of a hiatal hernia may also be done during the laparoscopic or general fundoplication procedure. Surgical treatment for chronic heartburn includes using endoscopic techniques like the BARD Endo Cinch system, NDO Plicator and the Stretta system. The BARD Endo Cinch and the NDO Plicator systems strengthen the LES by placing pleats created by stitches to strengthen the muscle. A strengthened LES prevents acid reflux. The Stretta system uses electrodes to create tiny burns on the LES. The muscle strengthens from scar tissue that develops when the burns heal. Your doctor can advise you of the risks and benefits of these procedures. Long term effects of these endoscopic treatments are currently unknown.
If you experience heartburn 2 or more times per week, have used antacids for more than 2 weeks without relief or have developed a dry cough, asthma symptoms, or difficulty swallowing, you should see your doctor to see if you have GERD.
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