Those tell-tale signs of heartburn – that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest and throat, the acidic, sour taste in your mouth -- these symptoms occasionally happen to many of us. But, if you’re regularly popping antacids more than twice a week or your heartburn keeps you up at night, it may mean you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) -- a more serious, chronic condition in which acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus.
GERD is more than an upset stomach following a pig-out of chicken wings and beer. If untreated, GERD can lead to serious complications, such as chronic irritation and inflammation that can lead to bleeding, narrowing of the esophagus and a potentially precancerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus.
Learn the Signs
The good news is that with proper diagnosis and follow-up, most people can be successfully treated. The first step is recognizing when it’s time to seek medical attention. Only your doctor can determine if you have GERD. The following symptoms signal a need to consult with your physician:- Persistent heartburn that’s not relieved by over-the-counter medication
- Heartburn pain that wakes you up at night or keeps you from falling asleep
- Unexplained episodes of coughing or wheezing
- Substantial weight loss or loss of appetite
- Morning hoarseness or sore throat
- Heartburn symptoms that interfere with your lifestyle or daily activities
In cases where GERD is suspected, your doctor may start by taking your family and health history, asking about your lifestyle, sleep patterns, exercise and food habits. In some cases, your doctor might also perform some diagnostic tests to identify the root of the problem. These can include x-rays and a procedure in which a tiny camera is used to view the throat and stomach.
Treatment Options
To relieve occasional heartburn or mild GERD, doctors usually recommend lifestyle and dietary changes like eating small meals, avoiding certain foods, adjusting your sleeping position, eliminating alcohol and tobacco, and using over-the-counter medication as a first step. But many people diagnosed with GERD also need prescription medication and in some, more hard-to-treat cases, surgery to tighten the valve between the stomach and esophagus.
Each case of GERD is a little different, and as such, your doctor will develop an individualized treatment plan that’s best for you.
