National GERD Awareness Week | Treating GERD in Maryland
National GERD Awareness Week is November 20-26. While GERD is a common diagnosis, many people can still be unaware of what the disease entails. In honor of National GERD Awareness week, here are some common questions about the illness.
What is GERD?
For starters, GERD, or Gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition where stomach contents flow back (reflux) into the esophagus (food tube) causing troublesome symptoms and/or possible damage to the esophagus. While there is no cure for GERD, there are long-term treatment plans that have been very effective.
What Is The Signs and Symptoms of GERD?
One of the most common symptoms of GERD is heartburn. Another typical sign is acid reflux. Other less common symptoms could be difficulty or pain when swallowing, the sensation of food sticking in the esophagus, hoarseness, throat-clearing, chronic sore throat, wheezing, or chronic cough.
How Do I Know If I Have GERD?
Only a doctor can make a diagnosis of GERD. Talk to your doctor if:
Your heartburn happens 2 or more times a week
Your heartburn gets worse
Your heartburn wakes you from sleep at night
You’ve had heartburn now and then for several years
You have difficulty or pain when swallowing
Your discomfort interferes with daily activities
What are the tests to diagnose GERD?
Most of the time, GERD can be diagnosed through the patient’s medical history and complaints. However, if the symptoms are mild or not as common, there are several different tests that can help diagnose the disease.
Esophagram: This is a radiographic study of the esophagus in which the patient swallows barium (a contrast agent) and the radiologist visualizes the esophagus and stomach under fluoroscopy. This test can help detect if there is a problem with a stricture (narrowing) in the esophagus
Upper Endoscopy: The Upper Endoscopy allows direct visualization of the lining of the esophagus and small intestine by the use of an endoscope passed through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Direct visualization of the esophageal lining will allow a check for potential damage (esophagitis, ulcers).
Esophageal Manometry: This test involves a small diameter tube passed through the nose into the esophagus. The nose and throat of the patient are numbed prior to this procedure. Once the tube is in position, the patient is asked to swallow. Measurements of esophageal function are made by the use of pressure readings of the muscle contractions (motility) of the esophagus.
How is GERD Treated?
While there is no complete cure for GERD, the goal of long-term treatment is to reduce and control your symptoms. This can be done through a combination of three different treatments.
Lifestyle Changes
This means changing things you have control over. Try to identify and avoid things eating and drinking things that could exacerbate the symptoms. Talk to your doctor about diet. Let your doctor know about any medicines you take as some can worsen symptoms.
Medicines
Over-the-counter medicines can provide temporary relief from the symptoms of GERD. The most commonly prescribed medicine to treat GERD are H2 blockers. This medicine helps decrease the amount of acid secretion in your stomach.
Surgery
For a few patients, surgery may be an option to help strengthen the barrier between the stomach and esophagus. Even after surgery, medication may still be needed to control symptoms so it’s important to review all aspects of the procedure and speak with your doctor before committing to this treatment.
Treating GERD in Maryland
If you find yourself suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, it’s time to speak to your doctor. At Bowie Internal Medicine, we can diagnose and treat your condition. Don’t wait, get relief today.