Chronic heartburn and acid regurgitation (or reflux) are two of the most well-known symptoms of GERD, but there are several other lesser-known symptoms as well. In addition, some people with GERD don’t have symptoms and may not realize they have the condition unless complications, such as Barrett’s esophagus, result.

According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, less common symptoms of GERD include: belching, difficulty or pain when swallowing, waterbrash (sudden excess of saliva), dysphagia (the sensation of food sticking in the esophagus), chronic sore throat, laryngitis, inflammation of the gums, erosion of the enamel of the teeth, chronic irritation in the throat, hoarseness in the morning, a sour taste and bad breath. Coughing may also be a symptom of GERD.

Chest pain is a tricky symptom of GERD. I’ve dealt with GERD myself for years, and I often still can’t tell whether the pain I sometimes have in my chest is due to GERD or if my heart is attacking me! That concern has led me to having several cardiac tests done, which were OK. If you’re unsure whether your chest pain is caused by GERD, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and make sure your heart is doing fine.

One of the best treatments for GERD is simply watching your diet, avoiding caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, coffee, citric juices and spicy foods. If you have GERD, you may notice that other foods, like onions, may cause heartburn. Once you know your triggers, it’s easier to avoid them. My gastroenterologist once said to me that some people with GERD can take medication (like Nexium) and eat pretty much what they want without issues. Well, that’s not the case with me and many others. Despite the medication I take, I still must watch what I eat. However, I still have decaf coffee and chocolate at times! In any case, smaller meals are recommended.

Other factors that may aggravate GERD include being overweight and eating close to bedtime. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for GERD. It’s a chronic condition usually managed with medication and lifestyle modification. Surgery may be an option for some, but it’s not generally recommended for most people with GERD. Treatment for GERD aims to improve symptoms for comfort and to heal any damage caused by acid reflux, preventing serious complications.

If you find yourself regularly taking over-the-counter medications for heartburn, it’s time to consult your doctor. Prescription medication may be needed to promote healing to damaged tissue. Learn more about GERD at AboutGERD.org.

(Image via WikiMedia Commons)

Post from: Blisstree

GERD Awareness Week, November 22-28

They’re prescribed for GERD (reflux disease), ulcers and other conditions. GERD is often triggered by consuming chocolate, coffee, alcohol or spicy foods.

Is it really a good idea to continue taking PPIs on a long-term basis? Researchers explored that question recently in a study published in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA).

Researchers noted that the prevalence of long-term treatment with PPIs is rising. In their PPI study, researchers from Copenhagen University found that treatment with PPIs for eight weeks in healthy individuals induces acid-related symptoms like heartburn, acid regurgitation and dyspepsia once treatment is withdrawn. In other words, PPIs can cause acid problems for people who’ve never experienced them before.

Christina Reimer, MD, lead of author of the study, said,

“We find it highly likely that the symptoms observed in this trial are caused by rebound acid hypersecretion and that this phenomenon is equally relevant in patients treated long term with PPIs. If rebound acid hypersecretion induces acid-related symptoms, this might lead to PPI dependency. Our results justify the speculation that PPI dependency could be one of the explanations for the rapidly and continuously increasing use of PPIs.”

I find this study particularly interesting. I’ve been taking a PPI for years myself! And I’ll bring up the study to my doc when I get a chance.

Are you taking a PPI like Nexium?

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Post from: Blisstree

Acid-reducing Meds & Dependency

For the first time, researchers led by senior author Weibiao Cao (a researcher at Rhode Island Hospital and an assistant professor of medicine and surgery at Brown Medical School) have outlined the signaling pathway from cells damaged by acid, to the progression of esophageal cancer.

The researchers believe that this very same process can possibly happen in the body when cells are exposed to acid reflux.

“The role of acid is controversial. But we show that by exposing cells to acid for short periods of time, that affects a particular enzyme, triggering a chain of events that possibly leads to cancer of the esophagus.

Now that we have a better understanding of the signaling pathway, we can possibly identify who is at risk of developing cancer by determining the levels of this enzyme,” says senior author Weibiao Cao, a researcher at Rhode Island Hospital and an assistant professor of medicine and surgery at Brown Medical School.

Acid reflux has been known to be a major risk factor for cancer in people with Barrett’s esophagus.

Read more at Science Daily.

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Acid Reflux to Esophageal Cancer Mechanism, Revealed