GERD Awareness Week: Everything You Should Know About This Chronic Condition
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a chronic digestive disorder that impacts tens of millions of patients in the US alone. Each year, GERD Awareness Week encourages people experiencing the symptoms of GERD to visit a reflux specialist for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. GERD Awareness Week also aims to raise awareness about the disease and the dangers of leaving GERD untreated.
According to the American Gastroenterological Association, studies suggest that around one-third of the U.S. population suffers from gastroesophageal reflux disease. Despite its prevalence, though, there’s still a lot that people don’t understand about the condition. That’s why today we’re highlighting everything you need to know about GERD, so you can stay informed about what GERD is and educate others who may be suffering from the condition.
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic disorder characterized by chronic acid reflux - stomach acid that rises up into the esophagus, causing inflammation and irritation. While acid reflux is fairly common, even in patients who don’t have GERD, it is not the only symptom or indication that a patient may have GERD. GERD is a serious chronic disease that can lead to complications if left untreated.
What causes GERD?
GERD occurs when the muscle in your esophagus - called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) - does not work properly. The LES is responsible for opening and closing to allow foods and liquid to pass through the esophagus and into the stomach. If the LES is weakened, it may not close when it is supposed to, allowing stomach acid to travel or “reflux” back up into the esophagus.
Who gets GERD?
Anyone can get GERD, however there are a few lifestyle factors that may put you at a higher risk of developing GERD, including:
Being overweight or obese
Being pregnant
Suffering from other issues
Smoking
Overeating regularly
Taking certain medications
Eating or drinking certain things
Symptoms of GERD
Symptoms of GERD can be persistent and uncomfortable. Common signs and symptoms of GERD include:
Heartburn, which can sometimes be worse at night
Difficulty swallowing
Chest pain
Regurgitation of a sour liquid
Feeling a lump in your throat
GERD Treatment
Most people with GERD want nothing more than to learn how to get rid of GERD as quickly and efficiently as possible. GERD treatment varies based on a few different factors including the severity of your GERD symptoms and other treatments you may have tried in the past, but it’s important to note that the only way to treat the root cause of GERD is with surgery. At Tampa Bay Reflux Center, we offer a few different surgical options for GERD—your reflux doctor will help you decide the right procedure for you.
LINX procedure: The LINX system is used to reinforce the LES by using a small, flexible band of magnets enclosed in titanium beads. The beads allow the LES to widen when swallowing, but keep it tightened the rest of the time, creating a better barrier to stomach acid.
TIF procedure: This procedure is done “endoscopically” or through the mouth, which means external incisions through the skin are not used. The TIF procedure offers patients another method of strengthening the weakened LES. The TIF procedure reinforces the LES by folding the upper portion of the stomach around the lower portion of the esophagus and securing it in place with fasteners. Consider it a less invasive “mini” version of traditional Nissen fundoplication.
Nissen fundoplication: Nissen fundoplication is a laparoscopic surgery, which is performed through 5 small incisions. Your surgeon will fold or “plicate” a portion of your stomach around the lower esophagus, which reconstructs a LES barrier to prevent the rise of stomach acid. It’s a similar but more intense version of the TIF procedure, with the main difference being the degree of plication and the invasiveness of the procedure. Nissen fundoplication is recommended for patients with more severe cases of GERD, whereas those with more mild cases may be better suited to the LINX procedure or TIF procedure.
Celebrate GERD Awareness Week by scheduling an appointment with your reflux doctor today.