When You Should See a Doctor
The week of November 21-27, 2021 is national Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
(GERD) Awareness Week. It comes just in time for Thanksgiving when many
Americans may experience heartburn associated with overeating. However,
if heartburn occurs more frequently, or is associated with additional
symptoms, it may be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
An estimated 1 in every 5 American adults suffers from GERD. It is a chronic
condition caused by changes in the gastroesophageal valve (GEV) that allow
contents to flow from the stomach back into the esophagus. Left untreated,
GERD can be a lifelong disease. It can lead to bothersome symptoms, which
can vary from mild or moderate to severe depending on the individual.
- Typical symptoms: burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), regurgitation
of food or sour liquid (acid reflux) and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Atypical symptoms: sensation of a lump in the throat (globus), shortness
of breath / asthma, chronic dry cough, chronic sore throat, laryngitis
and hoarseness, sleep disruptions, dental erosions and non-cardiac chest pain
GERD is not an acid problem – instead, it is caused by an anatomical
issue. The acid our stomach produces is important for digestion, killing
harmful bacteria and helping with the absorption of electrolytes and other
nutrients from the foods we consume. GERD occurs when the valve between
the stomach and the esophagus is not working properly and fails to keep
contents in the stomach from washing back up into the esophagus. Medications
may offer mild to intermittent symptom control, but they do not stop or
prevent reflux. Additionally, those who are or may become dependent on
daily medication may develop severe complications from GERD, even if no
symptoms are experienced. When left untreated, GERD can lead to other
health complications including:
- Damage to the throat or esophagus inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus
- Respiratory complications
- Barrett’s Esophagus
- Esophageal cancer
If you are reaching for antacids more than twice a week, it’s time
to see a doctor. If your current medications aren’t working well
enough, there are alternative endoscopic therapies like the TIF procedure
for reflux that could be right for you. There are more treatment options
available than ever and a GERD expert will help you select the best choice
suited to your needs. Please call (605)-698-7647 or visit www.cdphealth.com
for more information or to schedule an evaluation and discuss the issue
with a physician.