Understanding GERD: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Gerd is a common condition. It is estimated that about 20% of people in the United States suffer from it. When you have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) in Houston, TX, the acid from your stomach backs up into your esophagus and causes a burning sensation. When it only happens occasionally, it is GER (gastroesophageal reflux), but when it becomes more severe and chronic, it is GERD (the disease). Dr. Vikram Jayanty and Dr. Julien Fahed are gastroenterologists with experience who can diagnose and treat this condition.

GERD Causes

When you eat food, it goes down from the esophagus to the stomach. The sphincter in the lower esophagus relaxes, allowing food into the stomach and then tightening back up to keep it there. What happens with GERD is that the sphincter relaxes when it is not supposed to and allows the acid and sometimes food to back up into the esophagus. This can result from a distended stomach, slow digestion of food, or a hiatal hernia.

If you eat a large meal, you can develop GERD. If you are overweight or obese, you can also develop GERD. Certain medications and pregnancy can increase the risk of GERD in Houston, TX. There is not just one cause of GERD. 

Symptoms of GERD

Here are the most common symptoms of GERD: 

• Heartburn is a burning sensation in the middle of the chest from the breastbone up to the throat. 
• Regurgitation is when the stomach contents back up into the throat and even as far as the mouth. You may taste food and acid. 
• Problems with swallowing are often the result of the damage that the regurgitation causes to the esophagus. 
• Chest pain can be severe enough to make you think you are having a heart attack. 
• Chronic cough or hoarseness is often a result of the irritation caused by the bile and stomach content backing up. 

GERD Treatments

There are various treatments for GERD: 

• Lifestyle changes
  Your doctor will first recommend lifestyle changes. Losing weight is an excellent first step. You should also raise your head when you sleep and avoid eating for a few hours before bed. 
• Diet
  When you have GERD, avoid fried and fatty foods, citrus fruit, spicy foods, onions, chocolate, caffeine, peppermint, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. You should also eat more often and smaller meals. 
• OTC medication
  Antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are your first option. If they don’t work, your doctor may suggest giving you prescription medication. Surgery is always a last resort. 

Contact Us Today

If you are suffering from GERD in Houston, TX, contact Dr. Jayanty and Dr. Fahed at (713) 932-9200 to make an appointment.