What is GERD and What Causes It?
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic condition caused by stomach acid traveling up the esophagus. The condition begins as occasional acid reflux, caused by improper functioning of the sphincter muscle separating the stomach from the esophagus. When the muscle doesn’t close completely, stomach acid can travel backward into the esophagus.
Signs and Symptoms of GERD
GERD can cause several noticeable signs and symptoms, including frequent:
- Episodes of bad breath
- Episodes of a sour taste in your mouth
- Sore throats, dry coughing, and wheezing
- Nausea, vomiting, or chest pain
- Sensations of tooth sensitivity due to eroding tooth enamel
Tips to Minimize GERD Signs and Symptoms
You can do a lot to minimize the signs and symptoms of GERD by modifying your diet. You should:
- Eat small meals several times each day
- Avoid eating a large meal before you go to bed or lie down
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products
- Avoid or limit eating spicy or acidic foods
- Take over-the-counter antacid medications
How a Gastroenterologist Can Treat GERD
It’s best to seek treatment from your gastroenterologist if you have GERD. You may need imaging studies, including an endoscopy, to check for esophageal irritation or damage. To treat GERD, your gastroenterologist may recommend:
- Dietary and nutritional counseling
- Prescription-strength antacid medications
- Prescription-strength medications to strengthen the esophageal sphincter muscle
- Surgical treatment for severe GERD that doesn’t respond to medication therapy
- Why it’s Important to Treat GERD
A gastroenterologist should treat GERD because untreated GERD can lead to serious medical issues, including esophageal damage and esophageal cancer.
Want To Know More About GERD?
Talk with the experts to learn more about gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. Call the gastroenterologists at the Gastroenterology Clinic. You can reach them at: Downtown Monroe & West Monroe, LA, by calling (318) 325-2634 and Ruston, LA, by calling (318) 232-7080 Call today.