GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
Gastroesophageal reflux describes a backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube or esophagus. This acid can irritate and sometimes damage the delicate lining on the inside of the esophagus. Almost everyone experiences gastroesophageal reflux at some time. The usual symptom is heartburn, an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone, most commonly occurring after a meal. In some individuals this reflux is frequent or severe enough to cause more significant problems, that is a disease. Thus, gastroesophageal reflux disease is a clinical condition that occurs when reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus is severe enough to impact the patient’s life and/or damage the esophagus.
Dr. of choice generally a Gastroenterologist who would perform a Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) looking at your digestive system.
2. I have never heard of GERD. Is it a new disease?
No. GERD has probably been around as long as heartburn. The term is relatively new (about 20 years), however, and has really come into common usage over the past few years. GERD is often called "reflux," "reflux esophagitis," or sometimes even "hiatus hernia" (although hiatus hernia is a specific diagnosis that may or may not have anything to do with GERD). GERD is the preferred term because it accurately describes the problem - reflux of stomach acid up into the esophagus where it can produce symptoms and sometimes damage. Many patients and health care professionals are not familiar with GERD and its potential consequences, and thus may not have heard the term previously.
Heartburn (uncomfortable, rising, burning sensation behind the breastbone).
Regurgitation of gastric acid or sour contents into the mouth.
Difficult and/or painful swallowing.
In addition, acid can be regurgitated into the lungs in some GERD patients, causing wheezing or cough. Acid refluxed into the throat can cause sore throat. If acid reaches the mouth, it can dissolve enamel of the teeth.
(Source: Digestive Diseases in the United States: Epidemiology and Impact, National Digestive Diseases Data Working Group, James E. Everhart, MD, MPH, Editor, US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, NIH Publication No. 94-1447, May 1994)
The British spelling of esophagus is oesophagus. Hence, GERD is GORD in many European countries.
GERD is a disease and heartburn is its most common symptom. Heartburn is defined as a rising, burning sensation behind the breastbone caused by reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. Nearly everyone has or will experience heartburn on occasion. Frequent heartburn that disrupts one's lifestyle suggests the diagnosis of GERD.
24. GERD Surgical Options: Nissen Fundoplication
The most common surgery for GERD is called Nissen fundoplication. During the surgery, the upper part of the stomach — called the fundus — is wrapped around the lower part of the esophagus to make it tighter and stronger. This prevents the stomach acids from flowing back into the esophagus.
If the patient also has a hiatal hernia, as some GERD patients do, it can be repaired during the same operation. A hiatal hernia is a condition in which part of the stomach pushes up into the chest.
Post Edited (stkitt) : 9/4/2013 9:33:27 AM (GMT-6)
With laryngopharyngeal reflux, you may not have the classic symptoms of GERD, such as a burning sensation in your lower chest (heartburn). That's why it can be hard to diagnose and is sometimes called silent reflux.
Dr. of choice - an ENT who may use the Laryngoscope to check out the vocal cords for reflux damage, nodules or lesions.
At either end of your esophagus is a ring of muscle (sphincter). Normally, these sphincters keep the contents of your stomach where they belong -- in your stomach. But with laryngopharyngeal reflux, the sphincters don't work right. Stomach acid backs up into the back of your throat (pharynx) or voice box (larynx), or even into the back of your nasal airway. It can cause inflammation in areas that are not protected against gastric acid exposure.
Silent reflux is common in infants because their sphincters are undeveloped, they have a shorter esophagus, and they lie down much of the time. The cause in adults may not be known.
Symptoms in infants and children may include:
With laryngopharyngeal reflux, adults may have heartburn or a bitter taste or burning sensation in the back of the throat. But they are less likely to have such classic signs of GERD. More often, symptoms in adults are vague and may be easily confused with other problems. The most common symptoms include:
Other symptoms include:
Stomach acid that pools in the throat and larynx can cause long-term irritation and damage. Without treatment, it can be serious.
In infants and children, laryngopharyngeal reflux can cause:
In adults, silent reflux can scar the throat and voice box. It can also increase risk for cancer in the area, affect the lungs, and may irritate conditions such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis.
Although silent reflux is harder to diagnose than GERD, a doctor can diagnose it through a combination of a medical history, physical exam, and one or more tests. Tests may include:
Silent reflux treatment for adults may include these home care steps:
You may also need to take one or more types of medicine such as:
Some people respond well to self-care and medical management. However, others need more aggressive and lengthy treatment. If this is not effective or if symptoms recur, your doctor may suggest surgery.
Fundoplication is a type of surgery which involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus to create a stronger valve between the esophagus and stomach. It is usually done laparoscopically, with small surgical incisions and use of small surgical equipment and a laparoscopic to help them see inside. Fundoplication can also be done as a traditional open surgery with large incision.
Reference: WebMD : http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/laryngopharyngeal-reflux-silent-reflux
The information is this article is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. All matters regarding your physical health require medical supervision.
Post Edited (stkitt) : 9/4/2013 9:32:04 AM (GMT-6)