GERD

The Long-Term Effects of Heartburn or Acid Reflux

Heartburn or acid reflux can cause significant damage if it remains unchecked and uncontrolled for a long period of time. The condition of acid reflux and its most common symptom, heartburn, can significantly damage the stomach and the esophagus.

The long-term effects of heartburn or acid reflux can vary between individuals. Some people suffer no long-term effects while others develop serious, life threatening conditions as a result.

Acids are produced in the stomach, an organ that is well adapted and capable of coping with the constant excretions of acid from nearby glands. However, when acid becomes highly concentrated or when the protective lining in the stomach becomes compromised, these acids can cause significant damage to the stomach.

Sometimes acids from the stomach can rise up and enter into the esophagus. This process is known as “acid reflux”. Normally, a muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) constricts to block the acids from entering the esophagus. The LES is located where the stomach and the esophagus meet and can become weakened as we age, which is why older individuals may experience heartburn or acid reflux more often than young people, causing them to seek heartburn remedies.

Heartburn or Acid Reflux Damaged LES

In people that suffer from chronic acid reflux, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, for short), the LES becomes damage by repeated exposure to the acids. For GERD sufferers, this weakening is the beginning of long-term damages caused by heartburn or acid reflux. When the LES is weak, or when it fails to properly create a barrier to between the esophagus and stomach acids, heartburn or acid reflux can occur more frequently.

After repeated exposure to stomach acids, the esophagus may also being to scar. This leads to a narrowing tube and ultimately can make it very difficult for the person to swallow and is often treated by stretching the tube to an acceptable width. Scarring can also make it feel like there is something stuck in the throat, causing the person to feel the need to constantly swallow. This sometimes requires corrective surgery if scarring is severe.

Esophagitis, Barrett’s Esophagus, and Esophageal Cancer as a Result of Heartburn or Acid Reflux

Repeated exposure to stomach acids can also cause esophagitis, a condition in which the esophagus begins to swell. A swollen esophagus is painful and can be a precursor to bleeding and ulcers in the esophagus. This scarring of the esophagus can also lead to a condition known as Barrett’s Esophagus.

Barrett’s Esophagus is a condition that is commonly associated with GERD, but can develop in individuals that don’t have frequent heartburn or acid reflux. This condition is usually associated with some degree of heartburn or acid reflux and originates at the LES.

Exposure to stomach acids can cause the cells in the esophagus mutate into a type of cell one wouldn’t normally find in this region of the body. Anytime cells in the body become mutated, one has to worry about a risk of cancer, however slight the risk may be.

Esophageal cancer is rare, even among people with Barrett’s esophagus. However, doctors find the potential for Barrett’s Esophagus to develop into cancer in about 0.5% of patients. To diagnose this condition, doctors examine a sample of cells under a microscope.

They can determine if cancer might be the next phase by looking at these early cells, even if they aren’t cancerous yet. In most cases, before acid reflux or heartburn can cause cancer, doctors are able to remove all of the cells and treat the root problem (acid reflux) to prevent them from developing again.

Barrett’s Esophagus rarely causes symptoms. Most people don’t know they have developed this condition and may not know to seek treatment. However, painful swallowing with a history of acid reflux or heartburn should be addressed by a physician to rule out esophagitis.

Not all people with esophagitis will develop Barrett’s Esophagus and not all people with heartburn or acid reflux will experience long-term damage to this extent. It is important to control heartburn or acid reflux as much as possible to prevent the likelihood of developing a more serious complication.

Is It Possible to Get Heartburn from Drinking Water?

In general, drinking plenty of water aids in the digestion of stomach contents and is beneficial to people who suffer from heartburn symptoms. However, water can also fill the stomach and cause regurgitation or pressure that induces heartburn. It is best to drink small amounts of water, especially before bed when stomach acids will be at their worst.

Heartburn that occurs as a result of drinking water can be a dangerous symptom to have. Water is a necessary part of a healthy life-style. If it is making you sick, it is best to get to the bottom of the problem.

The big issue with water and heartburn is that when you drink water it mixes with stomach acids. If you are subject to acid reflux or have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the water in your stomach may cause heartburn anyway. If you have a problem with a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the problem may be even more troublesome because this muscle is designed to keep the stomach contents from entering the esophagus. (The reason we feel heartburn in the first place.)

Drinking water really becomes an issue if you have a hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernia is a term that describes a condition in which part of the stomach is forcing its way into the upper part of this area near the esophagus. If you have really chronic heartburn symptoms because of hiatal hernia, surgery may be necessary to relieve your symptoms.

How to Avoid or Treat Heartburn Caused by Drinking Water
As mentioned earlier, try to avoid drinking a large amount of water right before bed. Stomach acids are produced while you sleep and lying down also increases gastric pressure. Gastric pressure can cause heartburn by pushing stomach contents into the esophagus. The reason for gastric pressure when lying down is that organs shift within the body cavity and apply pressure on digestive organs such as the stomach. The same thing happens when we bend over or wear tight clothing.

Other things you might try include adding a small amount of natural apple cider to the water before you drink it. This can help to lower the pH levels in the stomach and prevent the reaction of the stomach acids that can cause heartburn.

Also, losing weight can prevent many heartburn causes – including water. Obesity is another way that gastric pressure causes heartburn. It also cause production of more stomach acids.

Try to avoid starches, sugars, and carbonated drinks and stick to water. Sometimes water just fills up the stomach and causes the real heartburn triggers to gain closer access to the esophagus.

Take an antacid when you drink water. Antacids work to neutralize the stomach acids and help prevent them from being so volatile. Over the counter medications like Maalox and even baking soda can help neutralize stomach acids.

Proton pump inhibitors that help to prevent acid from being secreted into the stomach are now also available in over the counter varieties. Medications like Zantac 75, Pepcid AC, and Axid AR are proving to be very effective for many people.

Remember that water is not the enemy here, stomach acids and weak esophageal muscles are the problem. Try to address the production of acid in the stomach and the ways that acid reacts with the foods and beverages you consume.

If you do find yourself battling heartburn after drinking water and you haven’t eaten anything, try to eat a solid food that is not going to set off your heartburn. If you have already eaten, you might be experiencing heartburn because of an offending food. Try eating a few almonds or chewing gum to help saliva production and induce swallowing to keep acids where they belong.

Heartburn and Sore Throat: Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease

If you have frequent bouts of heartburn and find that you have a sore throat, it may be time to seek medical attention for acid reflux. When the throat is exposed to stomach acids over long periods of time, it can become significantly damaged. Esophageal damage can lead to serious complications, including cancer.

Sore throat is caused by the swelling of the pharynx, a part of the throat that is located behind the tonsils and at the top of the esophagus. Most of the time, a sore throat is the temporary symptom of some type of cold or flu. But for people who suffer from chronic heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), these heartburn symptoms can be persistent problems.

Normally, a sore throat can be treated with lozenges and warm liquids until the offending virus is defeated by the body’s immune system. In some cases, such as with an infection and with heartburn, relieving the pain of a sore throat means solving the root problem.

Sore throat for people who suffer chronic heartburn is a very aggravating condition. The cause of the pain is damage by regurgitating acids from the stomach. As the throat becomes raw after repeated exposure to these acids, heartburn can occur again and irritate it even more; essentially adding salt to the wound.

How does Heartburn Cause Sore Throat?

Heartburn occurs when stomach acids rise up into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation behind the breastbone. This may also include regurgitation, a symptom in which the acids make it all the way up the esophagus and into the mouth. This is where the stomach acids can cause the most pain.

Normally, the muscle at the base of the esophagus known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) prevents this from happening. Each time we swallow a food or liquid, the LES opens momentarily to allow the substance into the stomach. It then closes again to keep the substances in the stomach. The stomach produces acids to help digest what we have consumed so that it can move further through the digestive system.

In people who suffer from GERD, this process becomes altered so that the acids are allowed to enter into the esophagus and up to the throat to cause damage. This can occur for a couple of reasons.

The LES can become weak after repeated exposure to stomach acids, reducing its ability to remain constricted and block the acid. Aging and esophageal conditions can also weaken the LES. People who drink a lot of alcohol can experience problems with this type of heartburn because alcohol relaxes the LES.

Gastric pressure can cause acid to be forced through the LES and into the esophagus to far enough to irritate the throat. Gastric pressure can be caused by eating foods that produce large amounts of gas as they are digested, by drinking a lot of carbonated liquids, by lying down with a full stomach, and by wearing clothing that is too tight or bending over after eating a large meal.

Pregnancy and obesity increase gastric pressure because the organs in the body become displaced and leave less room in the digestive organs. Obesity can also cause the LES to stretch, making it impossible for the muscle to close tightly and block acids.

H. pylori bacteria living in the stomach can also cause an increase in gastric pressure. These bacteria can lead to gastritis – the chronic swelling of the stomach lining. Over time, it can cause sores to form in the stomach and stimulates the production of more acids.

Problems with the LES closing are complicated by conditions that cause overproduction of stomach acids which lead to heartburn.

Heartburn Friendly Sore Throat Remedies

The very best method to remedy heartburn and sore throat is to avoid the causes in the first place. GERD is triggered most often by the foods that we eat. Avoiding foots that are high in fat and heavily seasoned can help prevent much of the pain caused by heartburn. Citrus fruits and items that lead to LES relaxation such as alcohol and chocolate can also be avoided.

Not all foods cause heartburn in all people, so it is important to identify which foods cause heartburn and try to eliminate them. When elimination is impossible, try to consume them only in moderation. Also avoid lying down, bending over, and wearing tight close after eating to reduce gastric pressure.

If you develop a sore throat because of heartburn, consider seeking medical attention for GERD. There are medications that are specifically designed to prevent these symptoms from occurring.

Home remedies may help provide immediate relief and include warm, non-caffeinated beverages like green tea with honey. Lozenges, fat-free hard candies, and some over the counter throat sprays can assist in temporarily relieving sore throat pain.

Heartburn and Nausea: Does This Mean I Have GERD?

Heartburn and nausea can be a troublesome duo for those that suffer from a chronic acid reflux condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a condition in which the acids in the stomach regularly breach the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) causing immediate discomfort, multiple symptoms, and long-lasting damages to the esophagus. Those who experience heartburn symptoms and nausea together or in phases directly after eating a meal may have GERD, but there are other possibilities that must be eliminated as well. Only a doctor can diagnose a specific condition. As a general guide however, there are a few digestive conditions that may cause heartburn and nausea.

Conditions that Commonly Cause Heartburn and Nausea

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a condition in which the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) allows stomach acids to enter the esophagus. The LES usually closes after swallowing food to prevent this from happening, but it is normal for the LES to relax a few times a day. In people who do not have GERD, this relaxation may occur when the stomach is producing a large amount of acid due to an offending food or stress. This is the cause of occasional heartburn and nausea.

In people that have GERD, the LES relaxes more often and therefore allows acid to enter the esophagus more often. Over time, the exposure to stomach acids will damage the esophagus and cause esophagitis – another condition that causes heartburn and nausea even if it’s not caused by GERD. GERD is very common throughout the world and can be treated with lifestyle and diet changes, over the counter antacids and medication, or prescription medication when necessary. If your doctor determines that your heartburn and nausea are caused by GERD, he or she will likely help you determine the best course of treatment through a combination of all of these options.

The most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn and nausea. Less common symptoms that can assist in narrowing the problem down to GERD include sore throat, coughing, wheezing, feeling as though there is something “stuck” behind the breastbone, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation (substance enters mouth through the throat suddenly), and hiccups.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis is a common term that refers to any abnormal irritation or general inflammation of the esophagus. It is most commonly caused by GERD, but may happen with other conditions as well. Esophagitis can cause heartburn and nausea, along with other symptoms such as sore throat, painful swallowing, or hoarseness. As with all cases of heartburn, feeling it when you have esophagitis is caused directly by the irritation in the esophagus. Nausea with this condition is most likely caused by a secondary trigger. Alcohol and cigarette smoking can cause nausea and esophagitis. Additionally, alcohol can upset the stomach and relaxes the LES, making reflux more likely.

Irritation of the esophagus may lead to Barrett’s esophagus, which increases your likelihood of getting esophageal cancer. Two of the primary symptoms of esophageal cancer are acid reflux and nausea, so seeing a doctor when you have these two symptoms is important.

Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcers are small abnormalities in the lining of the small intestine that normally protects the organ from acids. You may have a peptic ulcer due to an infection, heavy alcohol consumption, tobacco use, or even from taking certain over the counter pain relievers. Peptic ulcers can make you feel like you are experiencing heartburn and nausea. While they do cause nausea, the feeling most people describe as heartburn is actually a burning sensation in the stomach area and not in the esophagus at all. Peptic ulcers may also cause abdominal pain and discomfort, as well as a feeling of being full even though the person hasn’t consumed enough to warrant a full stomach.

Dyspepsia (Indigestion)

Dyspepsia, or indigestion, is a general term for symptoms that occur right after eating and is used to describe a general feeling of discomfort in the stomach or abdomen. Many people assume that indigestion is a symptom of acid reflux. It is actually a separate condition that causes very similar symptoms. Indigestion may seem to cause nausea and heartburn, as well. However, the burning sensation that is often mistaken for heartburn is actually coming from the stomach and not the esophagus, much like a peptic ulcer.

Indigestion is caused by the same triggers that can cause acid reflux, making it difficult to discern between the two conditions. Both indigestion and heartburn are basically treated in the same ways unless there is a major underlying cause. Indigestion is a very common condition and isn’t usually a cause for alarm unless it persists for a long period of time. Sometimes, indigestion is associated with a swelling pancreas or gallstones and may indicate damage caused by over the counter pain medications. In these cases, there are typically other symptoms in addition to indigestion.

Nissen vs Anterior Fundoplication Surgery for Acid Reflux

Over the last decade, surgeries for the treatment of serious Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) have both advanced in technique and popularity. Surgery is not a front-line heartburn treatment but rather something considered after traditional techniques fail.

In this article, you will discover the differences between two of the most common types of GERD surgery: Nissen Fundoplication and Anterior Fundoplication, including differences in procedure, effectiveness, side effects, and long-term success rates.

Nissen Fundoplication vs Anterior Fundoplication – Differences in Procedure

Nissen Fundoplication and Anterior Fundoplication are very similar procedures using similar techniques, differing in the severity of the surgery.

Both techniques involve taking a piece of the stomach (known as the fundus), and “wrapping” it around the esophageal valve (entryway to the stomach from the esophagus). In a patient without acid reflux, the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) applies enough pressure at this point in the body to keep the stomach sealed. When it cannot apply enough pressure, reflux results.

Both Nissen and Anterior Fundoplication are designed to help reinforce this structure. The difference is in how much they reinforce the structure.

Nissen Fundoplication involves pulling a posterior portion of the top of the stomach (the fundus), and wrapping it completely around the lower esophagus, and then surgically attaching this portion to the front of the stomach. This is a full 360-degree wrap around the lower esophagus, and as such it is often referred to as a complete fundoplication or a 360-degree fundoplication.

The Anterior Fundoplication, on the other hand, is a similar procedure, but does not use a full 360-degree wrap. Typically, Anterior Fundoplication refers to a 180-degree wrap (unless otherwise stated), where only “half” of the lower esophagus is wrapped by the stomach.

These two surgeries, as a result, have different success rates and side effects, which you will find out below.

Differences in Effectiveness Between GERD Surgeries

While these surgeries have been done for a few decades now, only in the last decade has this surgery become more prevalent and only recently have laparoscopic techniques been able to be perform anterior fundoplication laparoscopically. As a result, only recently that longitudinal studies (studies which track patients’ symptoms and side effects over a period of months to years) have begun to surface.

Researchers in a study published in May 2011 studied over 100 total patients, tracking them anywhere from 6 months to up to nearly 3 and a half years. They reported that patients who had anterior fundoplication still used antacids more frequently than those who had Nissen Fundoplication (34.2% for anterior, 17.4% for Nissen) (1).

Overall, 72% of the patients studied reported a positive experience with their procedures (1). Some older studies have reported satisfaction rates of up to 94% (2), though more modern reports reviewed suggest similar success rates to the first study.

Differences in Recovery Times and Side Effects of GERD Surgery

Between the two surgeries, the same study reported that patients who had Anterior Fundoplication had faster recovery rates (measured in terms of less days in the hospital following surgery) (1). However, the authors suggested that this difference may simply be due to advances in laparoscopic surgery rather than differences in the two procedures (1).

However, what was noted as a significant difference between the two was the side effect of inability to belch. This is a known, painful side effect of acid reflux surgery. In this condition, the fundoplication reinforces the esophagus to such an extent that the pressure is too great to belch, or remove excess gas from the stomach.

Given that the Nissen Fundoplication is a stronger reinforcement than the Anterior Fundoplication, the Nissen procedure resulted in inability to belch more frequently than the Anterior procedure (1).

This side effect can be extremely painful. For some patients, it is self-correcting within 4 weeks following surgery, while in other patients it does not go away without corrective surgery or procedures. Regular swallowing of air when eating, talking, or drinking can cause serious pain, flatulence, and discomfort in affected individuals. Carbonated beverages also cannot be drank when suffering from this condition.

However, while risk rates for developing this condition are lower in Anterior Fundoplication than Nissen Fundoplication, both procedures have been reported to result in this condition (1, 2).

Differences in Acid Reflux Surgeries – Summary

At a basic level, the Nissen Fundoplication is a stronger version of the Anterior Fundoplication. Both procedures have been shown by researchers to be effective at reducing or eliminating acid reflux (1). Since the Nissen Fundoplication is a strong reinforcement, it tends to be both more effective and more susceptible to side effects (like the inability to belch) (1).

In the end, you should reach a decision with your doctor and surgeon on which procedure to have performed (if any procedure is performed at all). Both procedures are not without risks. Surgery is not considered by the mainstream medical community to be a first-line defense for acid reflux, but rather it is recommended that all other options be exhausted first before opting for surgery (though there may be exceptions to the rule).

Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and an acid reflux diet plan, perhaps in conjunction with medication or occasional use of an antacid or heartburn remedies, are typically enough to solve the acid reflux needs of most people.

References

1. Cartlidge CW, Stewart GD, de Beaux AC, Paterson-Brown S. The evolution of laparoscopic antireflux surgery and its influence on postoperative stay. Scott Med J. 2011 May;56(2):64-8.

2. Mir J, Ponce J, Juan M, Garrigues V, Ibañez JL, Berenguer J. The effect of 180 degree anterior fundoplication on gastroesophageal reflux. Am J Gastroenterol. 1986 Mar;81(3):172-5.

Natural Remedies for GERD

If you have read our page on Heartburn Remedies, you know that our favorite heartburn remedies are chewing a piece of gum and taking a teaspoon of vinegar.

However, when it comes to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), we have some natural remedies for GERD that we recommend beyond just gum and vinegar.

GERD indicates that reflux is occurring all the time. While a piece of gum may reduce pain and provide relief, truly effective GERD natural remedies will require a bit more drastic action.

Natural Remedies for GERD

When it comes to finding the perfect GERD natural remedies, we have to consider what causes GERD. We know that the following factors can all contribute to reflux:

• Tobacco, Alcohol, and Caffeine

• Obesity

• Overeating

• Laying down after eating

• Eating trigger foods (individual foods that give you reflux in particular)

• Eating too quickly and not chewing properly

When these factors are present on a regular basis, GERD may result. Fortunately, putting together some natural GERD remedies is easy.

Natural GERD Remedies

When we consider the factors above, viable natural remedies for GERD become very apparent. These include:

• Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine

• Losing weight (if you are overweight)

• Eat small meals

• Eat your last meal of the night at least 2 hours before bed.

• Avoid your trigger foods. You can discover what foods trigger heartburn for you by keeping a list of what you eat and noting when you get reflux. If the same food is always present in your reflux-inducing meals, it makes sense to avoid it in the future. You can get a good idea of what foods cause reflux in our article on acid reflux foods to avoid.

• Chew your food appropriately and finish your meal with a stick of non-mint gum. This way if you do eat too fast, the gum will produce extra saliva to help digest your food and protect your esophagus from reflux.

• Switch to a natural toothpaste. Some chemicals in commercial toothpastes may actually trigger reflux. Baking-soda based natural toothpastes (as long as they are approved by the ADA or the certifying agency in your country) are just as effective as high-tech toothpastes without the irritating chemicals.

• If you primarily experience reflux at night, try elevating the head of your bed by placing wooden boards underneath your bed-posts. This will put your bed on a slight incline and help reduce reflux at night significantly, especially if you do not eat or drink for 2 hours before sleeping.

GERD Natural Remedies Conclusion

Unfortunately, these lifestyle changes are not recommended nearly enough for reducing GERD, considering just how effective these natural remedies for GERD are.

After all, you will be very hard pressed to find someone with GERD that does not smoke, chew tobacco, drink alcohol, coffee (or caffeine from any source), is a healthy weight, eats small meals, and avoids the common foods that cause heartburn. Very few individuals follow all these precautions and still experience reflux.

Much to the contrary, most people with GERD are either overweight, smoke, overeat regularly, or (and) drink alcohol.

If you still are experiencing acid reflux regularly even after making appropriate lifestyle changes, be sure to consult your doctor. Untreated reflux may lead to health complications and the presence of reflux in the absence of risk factors may be an indicator of another health problem.

GERDs Disease – Everything You Need To Know

Before we get started, I must say outright: there is no such thing as GERDS or Gerd’s Disease. GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; Gerd is not a person’s name!

This misconception is common, but please remember this distinction for your own sake. You do not want to embarrass yourself by asking your doctor about “Gerds” or mentioning “Gerd’s Disease” to a friend!

About GERD (not GERDS!)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is the term given for chronic acid reflux; regularly occurring reflux spanning over a period of time.

The distinction for GERD over heartburn is important because GERD may result in a life-threatening condition if left untreated, whereas getting heartburn on occasion is not much to worry about.

Causes of GERD

GERD occurs when food or liquid leaves the stomach and enters the esophagus. This can occur whenever the lower esophageal sphincter (the LES) relaxes or is inhibited.

The LES is a band of muscle that circles the junction of the esophagus and stomach. Normally it remains in a contracted position, sealing off the top of the stomach, much like the string at the top of a cinch bag.

If this muscle relaxes, the stomach’s contents may flow backwards from the stomach into the esophagus. This is known as reflux. If this occurs on a regular basis, it is often called GERD.

Many things can cause the LES to relax, including certain foods and chemicals (like alcohol). Other health factors like obesity can also increase the likelihood of developing GERD. GERD may also develop as a result of physical defects, such as due to a hiatal hernia or a recent abdominal surgery.

The causes of GERD vary wildly from person to person. A good idea is to try to remember what exactly was the precipitating event for your reflux. Keep a food journal and note when a particular food results in “Gerds”. Over time you will find that certain foods do not match with your digestive system, and you can avoid those in the future.

How GERD is Treated

Patients will find that “Gerds” is typically treated by a two-pronged approach: medication and lifestyle changes. Note: for those without GERD but rather occasional heartburn, dietary changes and heartburn remedies can help remove discomfort.

Typically, your doctor may prescribe a medication such as a proton-pump inhibitor or an H2-blocker. However, since diet, smoking, alcohol use, and obesity play a major role in GERD, removing irritating foods from your diet, losing weight, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco may significantly reduce GERD as well.

Many patients who wish to avoid medication will find that dietary changes, weight loss, and cessation of drugs and alcohol can even eliminate GERD.

Many doctors and other medical professionals have begun to criticize GERD medications as over-prescribed. There may be some truth to this as GERD is heavily dependent upon lifestyle choices.

Despite lifestyle playing a major role in GERD, the reality of the situation is that these lifestyle changes can be very hard to make. This somber situation is reflected by GERD medications being a multi-billion dollar industry.

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (abbreviated as GERD), is one of the most commonly diagnosed chronic conditions in modernized countries. In this article, you will find out exactly what is GERD, the difference between GERD and heartburn, what makes GERD dangerous, and what the common treatment are.

What is GERD?

At a basic level, GERD is the name given to chronic acid reflux. While different countries and health organizations have different standards, many organizations consider acid reflux occurring two times a week or more for a period of several months to be a prime indicator of GERD.

GERD vs Heartburn – What is the Difference?

The primary difference between GERD and heartburn is that GERD is a disease-state consisting of chronic reflux, whereas heartburn is simply a symptom of acid reflux. Why the distinction? There are two primary reasons:

• Occasional heartburn is harmless, whereas GERD and the constant exposure of the esophagus to acid can lead to difficulty swallowing, coughing, and even cancer.

• GERD can occur in the absence of the symptoms of heartburn. This is sometimes called silent GERD. Silent GERD may appear as a chronic cough, sore throat, burping and nausea after eating, or may even have no symptoms at all. This is different from silent reflux, which is a colloquial term for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

What is GERD – What Causes GERD?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease may have many causes. At a basic level, GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not do its job. Normally the LES, which is a band of smooth muscle, contracts tightly to form a seal at the divider between the esophagus and stomach. When food is swallowed, this muscle temporarily relaxes in order to allow food and liquid to enter the stomach.

However, when the LES is unable to close all the way, acid reflux results. GERD results when the LES is regularly unable to do its job.

A large variety of factors can inhibit the LES and lead to acid reflux, including diet, obesity, drugs (like nicotine), and abdominal surgery.

Long-Term Effects of GERD

In addition to being uncomfortable in the short-term, GERD has some dangerous long-term effects. Over time, GERD can lead to damage to the esophagus. The initial results of this may include coughing, a sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. If GERD remains untreated, Barrett’s Esophagus can result. Barrett’s Esophagus represents a change in the actual type of cells in the esophagus.

The transformation of cells lining the esophagus significantly increases the risk rate for developing cancer. Once diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus, many physicians recommend regular screenings of the esophagus in order to check for cancer.

GERD Treatment – What to do About GERD

While heartburn remedies are often effective at reducing the symptoms of heartburn, these are not appropriate for the treatment of GERD. Typically, chronic reflux is treated via lifestyle changes and certain medications.

Many people can eliminate heartburn entirely simply by changing their diet, losing weight, and avoiding smoking, alcohol, and coffee. A common strategy for eliminating foods that cause heartburn is to keep a journal of everything that you eat and write down whether or not you experience reflux and the severity of your symptoms. Over time you will be able to figure out which foods cause you reflux and then remove those from your diet.

When lifestyle changes are not enough, prescription medicine may be used to stop GERD. The use of such medication is a conversation for you to have with your doctor. If you experience reflux regularly, be sure to mention these symptoms to your doctor.

Severe Acid Reflux

Severe acid reflux can be very distressing. In this article, you will discover what severe acid reflux indicates and even some potentially life-threatening conditions associated with bad acid reflux.

Severe Acid Reflux – Indicators

Extreme acid reflux is not a normal condition. Such severe acid reflux may be indicative of gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD.

GERD

GERD simply refers to chronic reflux. If acid reflux continues over time, damage to the esophagus may result. This is often manifested initially as inflammation. Inflammation can increase the sensitivity of the tissue.

When stomach acid comes into contact with an inflamed esophagus, severe acid reflux may result. This is the most likely scenario for GERD.

Over time, this can lead to more serious health conditions. Severe acid reflux may lead to a change in the esophagus over time known as Barrett’s Esophagus. Barrett’s Esophagus has no symptoms in and of itself but rather marks an adaptation of the esophagus to constant exposure to acid reflux.

In Barrett’s Esophagus, the cells in the esophagus begin to change to resemble in parts of the intestine. The problem with this change is that this change significantly increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Treatment for Severe Acid Reflux

Severe acid reflux and GERD are typically treated via prescription medication, typically a proton-pump inhibitor or h-2 blocker. This should be managed by a doctor as severe acid reflux may progress (or be indicative of) esophageal damage. Untreated esophageal damage may increase your risk for cancer.

Lifestyle changes can be used to reduce acid reflux, particularly losing weight, avoiding problem foods, and eliminating the intake of alcohol, coffee, and nicotine. These heartburn remedies may reduce your symptoms as well, but medical attention should still be sought when GERD is in the picture.

However, even if you prefer to make lifestyle changes rather than use medication, a doctor should evaluate your condition. Certain medications may enhance healing if an exam demonstrates that there is esophageal damage.

Heart Attacks – A Hidden Danger

Every day, people around the world confuse heart attacks with severe acid reflux. The truth is that even when taking in all of the symptoms into account, it can be difficult to tell the difference.

Heart attacks generally include a squeezing or crushing pain, and the pain often radiates beyond the chest. Bad acid reflux pain is centralized on the midline and does not radiate into the shoulder or sides of the neck.

Severe acid reflux as well often involves the burping of a sour or bitter taste. Symptoms of acid reflux can often be manipulated by bending over or lying down as well; bad acid reflux will be worse when bending over or lying down, and will feel better while standing up.

As a general rule, even the worst acid reflux is rarely extremely painful. Heart attacks, on the other hand, can be extremely painful, even debilitating. Additionally, heart attacks may cause the individual to break out in a cold sweat and induce anxiety or a feeling of unease. Reflux should not cause sweating or anxiety.

However, not all heart attacks have symptoms beyond chest pain, and some heart attacks may have no chest pain at all and can be virtually silent!

Due to these variances and the high stakes involved, it is much better to play it safe and seek immediate medical attention than it is to assume your extreme acid reflux is heartburn.

Acid Reflux Surgery

If you have experienced long-term heartburn, a specialist may recommend acid reflux surgery. However, surgery for acid reflux is highly controversial and the long-term effects of such a surgery are not well-documented.

In this article, you will discover reasons why surgery may be recommended, what the most common procedure is and the pros and con of having GERD surgery.

Reasons for Having Acid Reflux Surgery

Surgery is only typically recommended in the most extreme cases of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Reasons for surgery recommendation may include:

• Reductions to the patient’s quality of life due to heartburn symptoms

• Failure of medication to control the condition

• Congenital (genetic) disorders

• Noted damage to the esophagus, such as Barrett’s Esophagus

• Family history of esophageal cancer

• Doctor discretion based on individual circumstances

You do not need to have every check-point on the list to be a surgery candidate. For example, if heartburn medicaiton is not working for you and GERD is significantly reducing your quality of life, your doctor may recommend Acid Reflux surgery in the absense of esophageal damage, simply to improve your quality of life.

On the other hand, even if GERD is not significantly impacting you, if you have regular GERD, evidence of esophageal damage, and a family history of esophageal cancer, your doctor may urge you to get this surgery performed, regardless of the current condition of your esophagus.

Furthermore, some doctors may not recommend acid reflux surgery in any situation simply because its long-term efficacy remains unproven; not necessarily because it does not work but rather just due to a lack of any real data.

Types of GERD Surgery

There is only one primary type of surgery to reduce reflux and it involves creating an artificial valve at the entrance to the stomach.

Most cases of acid reflux are thought to stem from an improperly functioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES normally forms a 1-way valve, allowing food and drink to enter the stomach but not allowing anything to leave. In GERD, this valve allows the contents of the stomach to leak into the esophagus.

To create an artificial valve, a surgeon will wrap a portion of the stomach around the sphincter and suture it in this position, relying on the elastic properties of the stomach to form a tight but passable valve around where the LES is.

The smooth muscle in the esophagus is strong enough to push food and drink through this new valve, but the valve should be tight enough to prevent GERD from occurring.

For details on the differences between specific acid reflux surgeries, see this article comparing Nissen Fundoplication vs Anterior Fundoplication.

Pros and Cons of GERD Surgery

The pros and cons of this surgery are simple. The pros are that it seems to be effective for most people, at least in the short term.

The cons are that this surgery, like any surgery, can be fairly expensive and comes with some risk and down-time (although recovery is quite fast with the laparoscopic procedures). Getting surgery is a much bigger commitment than using a few simple heartburn remedies.

The real con with acid reflux surgery is that the long-term success rates and possible side effects are not well-documented. The surgery is fairly new and data on a large number of patients is not yet available. It is possible, given the elastic nature of the stomach, that the portion of the stomach used to create the artificial valve will stretch and become lax over time, resulting in the return of heartburn.

The most common side effect that negatively impacts quality of life (and may even require corrective surgery) is the inability to belch. This occurs when the surgery causes the lower esophagus to be so tight that you are unable to belch (which is necessary to remove excess gas from the stomach). This means that if you swallow air when you talk, eat, or drink, you will be in a lot of pain (and have a lot of gas). Sodas and other carbonated drinks will be strictly off limits as well.

The Bottom Line on GERD Surgery

The bottom line on GERD surgery is that it seems to be effective in the short-term, but the long-term effects are unknown. Your doctor may advise surgery as a last resort if medication and lifestyle changes are not enough.

It is my opinion that the biggest thing lost on most GERD and heartburn sufferers that having reflux is for many an indicator of underlying health problems and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Improving the quality of your diet, avoiding drinking and smoking, and losing excess body fat can significantly reduce reflux and improve the quality and length of your life.

Getting surgery because you have a genetic anomaly that causes excess stomach acid to be produced or the Lower Esophageal Sphincter to not function properly is completely understandable. Getting surgery because you have advanced esophageal damage also makes sense. Getting acid reflux surgery because you do not want to go on a diet or quit smoking is simply irresponsible.