This week is the 12th annual GERD Awareness Week. Even though it's important to think about GERD all year around, more emphasis is added this time of year. Millions of people suffer from occasional heartburn, and it's more of a nuisance than a real health problem. For other individuals, heartburn is chronic, occurring two or more times a week. For them, their heartburn may be a symptom of a serious health problem: gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
GERD, especially if it's left untreated or it's not treated adequately, may result in complications. These complications can be erosive esophagitis (irritation or erosion), esophageal strictures, or in some cases Barrett's esophagus, which is a precancerous condition. Barrett's esophagus may lead to esophageal cancer.
GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents reflux back up into the esophagus.
Heartburn and acid regurgitation are the main symptoms of GERD, though some people with GERD don't experience any heartburn episodes. This is why it's important to know all the possible symptoms of GERD.
While the majority of doctors will prescribe a trial of acid-suppressive therapy, and make a diagnosis based on the patient's response to this, there are tests to diagnose GERD a doctor may want to have performed.
Treatment for GERD will usually start with certain lifestyle modifications and dietary changes. If you continue to have symptoms after these modifications, your physician will discuss with you the use of antacids, H2 blockers, and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). If your physician and you decide a surgical option is needed, the most common surgical treatment for GERD is the fundoplications surgery. Another procedure sometimes used in the treatment of GERD is the radiofrequency treatment.
When were you diagnosed with GERD? Please take a moment to answer in the poll below. If you would like to share your story on what symptoms led to your GERD diagnosis, you can do so here.
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