Symptoms
Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests:
- Upper GI endoscopy. This is the most commonly ordered initial test when people have worrisome symptoms. ...
- Barium study. After drinking a liquid barium mixture, a person has an x-ray of the chest and upper abdomen. ...
- pH monitoring. This test is used less frequently than those described above. ...
- Impedance testing. ...
Causes
Typical features of heartburn include:
- Starts as a burning sensation in the upper abdomen and moves up into the chest
- Usually occurs after eating or while lying down or bending over
- May awaken you from sleep, especially if you have eaten within two hours of going to bed
- Is usually relieved by antacids
- May be accompanied by a sour taste in your mouth — especially when you're lying down
Prevention
- Stage 1: Mild GERD: It is accompanied by mild symptoms and can be treated with home remedies and lifestyle changes.
- Stage 2: Moderate GERD: Symptoms become more frequent and can be controlled with some medications.
- Stage 3: Severe GERD: Symptoms become further more severe and are failed to be controlled by basic medications. ...
Complications
To determine if your heartburn is a symptom of GERD, your doctor may recommend:
- X-ray, to view the shape and condition of your esophagus and stomach.
- Endoscopy, to check for abnormalities in your esophagus. ...
- Ambulatory acid probe tests, to identify when, and for how long, stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. ...
- Esophageal motility testing, to measure movement and pressure in your esophagus.
What tests are done to diagnose GERD?
How do I know if I have Gerd?
How is Gerd diagnosed and treated?
How do doctors diagnose GERD?
How do patients describe GERD?
By contrast, people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) experience bothersome symptoms or damage to the esophagus as a result of acid reflux. Symptoms of GERD can include heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty or pain with swallowing.
What would a nurse teach a patient with GERD?
Encourage small frequent meals of high calories and high protein foods. Small and frequent meals are easier to digest. Instruct to remain in upright position at least 2 hours after meals; avoiding eating 3 hours before bedtime. Helps control reflux and causes less irritation from reflux action into esophagus.
How would you describe GERD pain?
It usually feels like a burning chest pain that starts behind your breastbone and moves upward to your neck and throat. Many people say it feels like food is coming back into the mouth, leaving an acid or bitter taste. The burning, pressure, or pain of heartburn can last as long as 2 hours.
What is the main cause of GERD?
What causes GERD? There is no known single cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It occurs when the esophageal defenses are overwhelmed by gastric contents that reflux into the esophagus. This can cause injury to tissue.
What are interventions for GERD?
Lifestyle interventions in GERD have traditionally included avoidance of foods that may precipitate reflux episodes and heartburn (e.g., coffee, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, citrus, carbonated drinks and spicy foods) and behavioral changes with weight loss, smoking cessation, head of the bed elevation, avoiding ...
How can you care for a person with GERD?
Try to:Maintain a healthy weight. ... Stop smoking. ... Elevate the head of your bed. ... Don't lie down after a meal. ... Eat food slowly and chew thoroughly. ... Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux. ... Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
What are the 8 symptoms of GERD?
What are the symptoms of GERD (chronic acid reflux)?Heartburn.Regurgitation (food comes back into your mouth from the esophagus).The feeling of food caught in your throat.Coughing.Chest pain.Problem swallowing.Vomiting.Sore throat and hoarseness.
What are severe GERD symptoms?
SymptomsA burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night.Chest pain.Difficulty swallowing.Regurgitation of food or sour liquid.Sensation of a lump in your throat.
What are the 4 types of GERD?
GERD is broken down into different stages based on how serious your symptoms are and how often they occur:Stage 1: Mild GERD. Minimal acid reflux occurs once or twice a month. ... Stage 2: Moderate GERD. ... Stage 3: Severe GERD. ... Stage 4: Precancer or cancer.
What foods should be avoided with GERD?
Items that people with GERD are often advised to avoid include:Alcohol.Caffeine.Carbonated beverages.Chocolate.Citrus fruits and juices.Tomatoes and tomato-based foods.Garlic.Mint.More items...•
What foods cause GERD?
Foods That May Cause HeartburnFried food.Fast food.Pizza.Potato chips and other processed snacks.Chili powder and pepper (white, black, cayenne)Fatty meats such as bacon and sausage.Cheese.
Can GERD be cured?
Yes, most cases of acid reflux, sometimes referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can be cured.
What are the complications of GERD?
Without treatment, GERD can sometimes cause serious complications over time, such as esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and Barrett's esophagus, as well as complications outside the esophagus.
What is Nanda approved nursing diagnosis?
In 1990 during the 9th conference of NANDA, the group approved an official definition of nursing diagnosis: “Nursing diagnosis is a clinical judgment about individual, family, or community responses to actual or potential health problems/life processes.
Which medications may increase the prevalence of GERD?
Potentially harmful medications that can aggravate the symptoms and effects of GERD in the elderly, such as NSAIDs, potassium tablets, bisphosphonates, beta blockers, theophylline and calcium-channel blockers should be avoided if possible.
Does tea cause heartburn during pregnancy?
Any specific foods that aggravate heartburn should be avoided (for example, coffee, cola, tea, alcohol, chocolate, fat, citrus juices, etc.)
How do you know if you have GERD?
Symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of GERD include: A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night. Chest pain. Difficulty swallowing. Regurgitation of food or sour liquid. Sensation of a lump in your throat.
What are the risks of GERD?
Conditions that can increase your risk of GERD include: Obesity. Bulging of the top of the stomach up into the diaphragm (hiatal hernia) Pregnancy. Connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma. Delayed stomach emptying. Factors that can aggravate acid reflux include: Smoking.
What is the cause of acid reflux?
Acid reflux occurs when the sphincter muscle at the lower end of your esophagus relaxes at the wrong time, allowing stomach acid to back up into your esophagus. This can cause heartburn and other signs and symptoms. Frequent or constant reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) ...
How often does acid reflux occur?
Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. GERD is mild acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week, or moderate to severe acid reflux that occurs at least once a week. Most people can manage the discomfort of GERD with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. But some people with GERD may need stronger medications ...
What happens when you swallow?
When you swallow, a circular band of muscle around the bottom of your esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into your stomach. Then the sphincter closes again. If the sphincter relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus. This constant backwash of acid irritates the ...
What causes scar tissue in the esophagus?
Over time, chronic inflammation in your esophagus can cause: Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture). Damage to the lower esophagus from stomach acid causes scar tissue to form. The scar tissue narrows the food pathway, leading to problems with swallowing.
Why does stomach acid flow back up into the esophagus?
If the sphincter relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus. This constant backwash of acid irritates the lining of your esophagus, often causing it to become inflamed.
What are the symptoms of GERD?
symptoms of complications in the mouth, throat, or lungs, such as chronic cough or hoarseness. Symptoms of GERD may include chronic cough. You should see a doctor if you think you have GERD, or if your symptoms don’t get better with over-the-counter medicines or lifestyle changes.
What are the symptoms of a swollen stomach?
chest pain. loss of appetite. persistent vomiting. problems swallowing or pain while swallowing. signs of bleeding in the digestive tract, such as. vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds. stool that contains blood or looks black and tarry. unexplained weight loss.
What are the factors that affect the lower esophageal sphincter?
Factors that may affect the lower esophageal sphincter and lead to GERD include. Some medicines can cause GERD or make GERD symptoms worse. Examples include. A hiatal hernia can also increase the chance of getting GERD or make GERD symptoms worse.
What is the burning feeling in the middle of your chest?
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) commonly cause symptoms such as. heartburn, a painful, burning feeling in the middle of your chest, behind your breastbone, rising from the lower tip of your breastbone toward your throat.
Does the lower esophageal sphincter prevent GERD?
However, many people have GER once in a while. GERD may develop if your lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak or relaxes when it shouldn’t.
Can GERD cause stomach acid?
regurgitation, or stomach contents coming back up through your esophagus and into your throat or mouth, which may cause you to taste food or stomach acid. However, not all adults with GERD have heartburn or regurgitation. Other symptoms may include. chest pain. nausea.
Can a hernia cause GERD?
A hiatal hernia can also increase the chance of getting GERD or make GERD symptoms worse. A hiatal hernia is a condition in which the opening in your diaphragm lets the upper part of the stomach move up into your chest.
How to reduce GERD symptoms?
Stopping smoking is important to reduce GERD symptoms. Elevate your head: Raising the head of your bed on 6-inch blocks or sleeping on a specially designed wedge lets gravity lessen the reflux of stomach contents into your esophagus. Don’t use pillows to prop yourself up.
What is the best treatment for GERD?
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications to treat your symptoms. Antacids: These drugs can help neutralize acid in the esophagus and stomach and stop heartburn.
What is the difference between gastroesophageal reflux and gastroesophageal reflux?
GERD Causes. The term “gastroesophageal” refers to the stomach and esophagus. Reflux means to flow back or return. Gastroesophageal reflux is when what’s in your stomach backs up into your esophagus. In normal digestion, your LES opens to allow food into your stomach.
What is the ring between the esophagus and stomach called?
This ring is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). If you have it, you may get heartburn or acid indigestion.
What causes scar tissue in the esophagus?
Esophageal stricture: Stomach acid damages the lower part of your esophagus and causes scar tissue to form. This scar tissue builds up until it narrows the inside of the esophagus and makes it hard to swallow food. Barrett’s esophagus: Acid reflux changes the cells in the tissue that lines your esophagus.
How long do you need to take antacids for heartburn?
If you need antacids for more than 2 weeks , talk to your doctor. H2 blockers: For chronic reflux and heartburn, the doctor may recommend medications to reduce acid in the stomach. These medicines include H2 blockers, which help block acid secretion in the stomach.
How to stop reflux from stomach?
Fundoplication: This is a procedure that raises the pressure in your lower esophagus. The doctor will wind the top of your stomach around the LES. This tightens the muscle and raises pressure in your lower esophagus to stop reflux.
What is the procedure to treat GERD?
Treatment. Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery for GERD may involve a procedure to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter, called Nissen fundoplication. In this procedure, the surgeon wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus after reducing the hiatal hernia, if present.
How to reduce acid reflux?
Lifestyle changes may help reduce the frequency of acid reflux. Try to: Maintain a healthy weight. Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to reflux into your esophagus. Stop smoking. Smoking decreases the lower esophageal sphincter's ability to function properly.
What is the surgeon's job to wrap the stomach around the lower esophagus?
In this procedure, the surgeon wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus after reducing the hiatal hernia, if present. This reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter, making it less likely that acid will back up in the esophagus. Substitute for esophageal sphincter. Open pop-up dialog box.
How long does it take for a monitor to pass through your esophagus?
The monitor might be a thin, flexible tube (catheter) that's threaded through your nose into your esophagus, or a clip that's placed in your esophagus during an endoscopy and that gets passed into your stool after about two days. Esophageal manometry. This test measures the rhythmic muscle contractions in your esophagus when you swallow.
How to get heartburn out of bed?
If you regularly experience heartburn while trying to sleep, place wood or cement blocks under the feet of your bed so that the head end is raised by 6 to 9 inches. If you can't elevate your bed, you can insert a wedge between your mattress and box spring to elevate your body from the waist up.
What is the procedure that involves inserting a long, flexible tube (endoscope) down your throat and into
Endoscopy. Endoscopy. An endoscopy procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube (endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus. A tiny camera on the end of the endoscope lets your doctor examine your esophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine (duodenum). Your doctor might be able to diagnose GERD based on ...
How to stop a swollen stomach from eating?
Eat food slowly and chew thoroughly. Put down your fork after every bite and pick it up again once you have chewed and swallowed that bite. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux. Common triggers include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.
What is gastroesophageal reflux?
Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the LES barrier is somehow compromised. Occasional reflux occurs normally, and without consequence other than infrequent heartburn, in people who do not have GERD. In people with GERD, reflux causes frequent symptoms or damages the esophageal tissue.
What causes reflux in the stomach?
What causes reflux? After swallowed food travels down the esophagus, it stimulates cells in the stomach to produce acid and pepsin (an enzyme), which aid digestion. A band of muscle at the lower part of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), acts as a barrier to prevent the back-flow ...
Where does a hernia occur?
Hiatal hernia occurs when a part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm, from the abdominal to the chest area. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest (containing the esophagus) from the abdomen (containing the stomach).
What is IFFGD?
IFFGD is a nonprofit education and research organization. Our mission is to inform, assist, and support people affected by gastrointestinal disorders. Our original content is authored specifically for IFFGD readers, in response to your questions and concerns.
Why does my LES relax after eating?
The LES may relax after having large meals leading to distension of the upper part of the stomach. When that happens there is not enough pressure at the LES to prevent reflux. In some patients the LES is too weak or cannot mount enough pressure to prevent reflux during periods of increased pressure within the abdomen.
Can GERD be caused by gastric reflux?
There is no known single cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It occurs when the esophageal defenses are overwhelmed by gastric contents that reflux into the esophagus. This can cause injury to tissue. GERD can also be present without esophageal damage (approximately 50 – 70% of patients have this form of the disease).
Can a hernia cause acid reflux?
If the diaphragm is not intact, it can compromise the ability of the LES to prevent acid reflux. A hiatal hernia may decrease the sphincter pressure necessary to maintain the anti-reflux barrier. Even when the LES and the diaphragm are intact and functioning normally, reflux can still occur.
How to treat GERD?
Dietary and lifestyle changes are the first step in treating GERD. Certain foods make the reflux worse. Suggestions to help alleviate symptoms include: 1 Lose weight if you are overweight — of all of the lifestyle changes you can make, this one is the most effective. 2 Avoid foods that increase the level of acid in your stomach, including caffeinated beverages. 3 Avoid foods that decrease the pressure in the lower esophagus, such as fatty foods, alcohol and peppermint. 4 Avoid foods that affect peristalsis (the muscle movements in your digestive tract), such as coffee, alcohol and acidic liquids. 5 Avoid foods that slow gastric emptying, including fatty foods. 6 Avoid large meals. 7 Quit smoking. 8 Do not lie down immediately after a meal. 9 Elevate the level of your head when you lie down.
What is the treatment for GERD?
Treatment for GERD includes: Lifestyle and dietary changes. Medication. Endoscopic therapy. Surgery.
What is a TIF for GERD?
Transoral incisionless fundo plication (TIF) is an option to address GERD. TIF can mean a shorter treatment time, less pain and faster recovery compared to laparoscopic surgery. The procedure involves using a special TIF device to create a passageway for a flexible, tube-like imaging instrument called an endoscope. The procedure allows the physician to use preloaded tweezers and fasteners to repair or recreate the valve that serves as a natural barrier to reflux.#N#Currently, there are clinical trials testing the efficacy of endoscopic therapy for GERD. One form of therapy uses an endoscopic sewing machine to place sutures in the stomach and increase the anti-reflux barrier.
What is the purpose of surgery for reflux?
The goal of surgery for reflux disease is to strengthen the anti-reflux barrier. During a procedure known as a Nissen fundoplication, your surgeon wraps the upper part of your stomach around the lower esophagus. This enhances the anti-reflux barrier and can provide permanent relief from reflux.
How to help with reflux?
Suggestions to help alleviate symptoms include: Lose weight if you are overweight — of all of the lifestyle changes you can make, this one is the most effective. Avoid foods that increase the level of acid in your stomach, including caffeinated beverages.
What is the best medicine for reflux?
Antacids. Over-the-counter antacids are best for intermittent and relatively infrequent symptoms of reflux. When taken frequently, antacids may worsen the problem. They leave the stomach quickly, and your stomach actually increases acid production as a result.
Can you have surgery for GERD?
Surgery for GERD. If your symptoms did not improve with lifestyle changes or drug therapy, you may be a candidate for surgery. Some patients prefer a surgical approach as an alternative to a lifetime of taking medications. The goal of surgery for reflux disease is to strengthen the anti-reflux barrier.
Overview
Definition
Pathophysiology
Signs and symptoms
Treatment
