Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is more than just occasional heartburn. Although heartburn is the most common symptom, GERD is a condition in which stomach juices flow back into your food pipe (esophagus). The constant backwash or acid reflux can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause inflammation. Such irritation can lead to complications such as narrowing of the esophagus, ulcers and even a slightly increased risk of esophageal cancer. Often, people can manage the discomfort of heartburn with lifestyle modifications and over - the - counter medications. For many others, these remedies may offer only temporary or partial relief. If you have GERD, you may need newer, more potent medications, possibly even surgery, to control symptoms and avoid complications.

GERD Complications

Chronic reflux of stomach acid into your esophagus can lead to one or more of the following conditions if left untreated:

• Esophageal Narrowing (stricture).
  This is caused by scarring induced by acid damage to the lining of the esophagus over a long period. It frequently leads to significant problems with swallowing.
• Esophageal Ulcer.
  Stomach acid can severely erode tissues in the esophagus, causing an open sore to form. The esophageal ulcer may bleed, cause pain and make swallowing difficult.
• Barrett's Esophagus.
  This is a serious, complication of GERD. In Barrett's Esophagus, the cells of the esophagus undergo changes in an effort to try to protect themselves from the acid. This condition is a serious risk factor in the development of esophageal cancer and requires long term monitoring. Some researchers feel that surgery for reflux may help cure Barrett's esophagus.

Common signs and Symptoms of GERD include:

• Heartburn
  Burning sensation in your chest, sometimes going all the way to the throat, along with a sour taste in your mouth.
• Chest Pain
  especially at night while lying down or after large meals.
• Difficulty Swallowing
  (dysphagia)
• Coughing, Wheezing, Asthma, Hoarseness or Sore Throat
• Regurgitation
  of food or sour liquid

Some factors that can worsen GERD symptoms include:

• Large Meals
• Lying Down
  within 1-2 hours after eating
• Fatty foods, spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, onions, tomato sauce, carbonated beverages and mint
• Alcohol
• Cigarette Smoking
• Certain Medications
  including sedatives, tranquilizers and calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure