GERD

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (otherwise known as GERD) is a condition consisting of recurring episodes of heartburn and acid reflux. Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest, usually after you’ve eaten. Acid reflux is a burning in your throat caused by stomach acid.

Who gets GERD?

Almost everyone will experience heartburn and acid reflux in their lives. But there are some factors that can make people more likely to develop GERD. These include:

• having overweight or obesity
• eating a large amount of fatty foods: this causes excess acid to linger in the stomach
• smoking, drinking alcohol, drinking coffee and eating chocolate
• pregnancy
• certain conditions like gastroparesis and hiatus hernia
• certain medicines like calcium-channel blockers, nitrates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
• excess stress

How common is GERD?

GERD is quite common. A study by the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that up to 20% of the entire Western population have it.^[1] If you have GERD, the bright side is that there’s a range of treatments and lots of people in the same boat as you.

What causes GERD?

GERD is usually caused by the ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus (known as the lower esophageal sphincter) becoming weaker. The esophagus connects your mouth to your stomach, and this ring of muscle opens and closes to let food in.

If the muscle becomes weaker, it can’t always close as it’s supposed to, and it isn’t able to stop your stomach acid from leaking up your throat. This causes the symptoms of GERD, like heartburn and acid reflux.

What are the symptoms of GERD?

The main symptoms of GERD are heartburn and acid reflux. These cause burning in the chest and throat, often after eating. Sometimes acid reflux comes with a sour taste in the mouth.

There are other symptoms that may appear. These can include oesophagitis, meaning a sore and swollen esophagus. GERD can also appear with:

• bad breath
• bloating and belching
• nausea
• pain when swallowing
• hiccups
• coughing
• bloating

Can GERD lead to other problems?

Usually, GERD causes mild but uncomfortable symptoms. But if GERD is quite severe and untreated for a long period of time, it can cause some complications. These include:

• Esophageal ulcers 

Stomach acid in the throat can eventually begin to damage the lining of the esophagus, leading to ulcers. Ulcers may bleed, cause pain and make it hard to swallow. Many drugs used to treat GERD can also treat or reduce the risk of ulcers.

• Scarred and narrow esophagus 

Sometimes damage caused by stomach acid causes scarring and narrowing of the throat. This is also known as esophageal stricture and can make it incredibly difficult and painful to swallow. There is a procedure that widens the esophagus, often by using a small balloon.

• Barrett’s esophagus 

Repeated episodes of GERD can sometimes lead to a change in cells that line the lower esophagus. This is known as Barrett’s esophagus. About 6% of people with chronic GERD end up developing Barrett’s esophagus.^[1]

There usually aren’t any noticeable symptoms with Barrett’s esophagus. Very rarely, it can be associated with esophageal cancer. A clinician may suggest having an endoscopy every few years to keep an eye on this.

• Esophageal cancer

It’s very rare to develop esophageal cancer even if you have Barrett’s esophagus. But having Barrett’s esophagus does make you ten times more likely to develop esophageal cancer.^[2]

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should speak to a doctor. The best thing you can do for your health is to treat your GERD early.