Why is gerd a serious condition

A stricture may result in dysphagia impaired swallowing. Strictures typically require treatment. Tooth enamel can become eroded from acid backing up into the mouth. People with significant GERD also have more gum disease, tooth loss, and mouth inflammation, likely due to ineffective saliva.

GERD and asthma often appear together. The reflux of acid into the esophagus may trigger an immune response, making the airways more irritable. Small amounts of acid may also end up in the mouth and then be inhaled. This also causes airway inflammation and irritation. These processes can trigger asthma flare-ups and make asthma more difficult to control.

Some people with GERD have mild symptoms that can be treated successfully by lifestyle changes, such as:. Also, avoiding certain foods that trigger GERD symptoms can provide relief.

These foods may include:. In milder cases of GERD, lifestyle changes may allow the body to heal itself. This lowers the risk for long-term damage to the esophagus, throat, or teeth. However, sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough. More significant cases of GERD can often be treated and controlled with medications such as:.

Shop for antacids. Once GERD symptoms are under adequate control, there will be less risk for further damage to the esophagus, throat, or teeth. Those who can manage their symptoms effectively will have a healthier and improved quality of life. Some therapies may work better for some than others.

A physician can help you in finding the most effective way to treat your GERD to lower your risk for associated complications. Learn more about the causes and complications of Barrett's esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD is a chronic condition that affects the digestive system. While most people have heartburn or indigestion from…. The data from the recording device can gauge your reflux severity.

During pH impedance: Your doctor places a thin, flexible catheter with an acid-sensitive tip through your nose into your esophagus. The catheter is placed in separate recording spots to evaluate the flow of liquid from your stomach into your esophagus. The catheter stays in your nose for a period of 24 hours. Your doctor is able to evaluate whether you have GERD, the severity of your reflux, the presence of non-acid reflux and the correlation between your reflux and symptoms.

This procedure helps in the design of a course of treatment for you. During an esophageal manometry: Your doctor places a pressure-sensitive catheter into the esophagus. This may be performed right before esophageal pH impedance studies, as it determines where your doctor should place the catheter. The catheter evaluates the strength and coordination of your muscle contractions.

It also tests the strength and relaxation function of the lower esophageal sphincter. An esophageal manometry is an essential part of the assessment process prior to anti-reflux surgery. Barium Esophagram Barium contrast radiography, or a barium esophagram, is an X-ray study.

During barium contrast radiography: You swallow a contrast solution called barium. The barium coats your esophagus and gastrointestinal tract, making it easier for the doctor to detect abnormalities. An X-ray is taken. During the X-ray, your doctor looks for a narrowing in the esophagus called a stricture. Gina Adrales. Johns Hopkins minimally invasive surgeon Gina Adrales answers important questions about gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD including the most common symptoms and the recovery process.

GERD Complications Patients with severe reflux may suffer from further complications, including: Esophagitis Esophageal strictures Barrett's esophagus. Learn more about GERD treatment. Others will need to take medicines. In very rare cases, when GERD is particularly severe, a doctor will recommend surgery. It also can help to not lie down for 3 hours after a meal and to not eat 2 to 3 hours before going to bed. Doctors sometimes also recommend raising the head of the bed about 6 to 8 inches.

Before you start a major bedroom makeover, though, talk to your doctor and your parents about the best sleeping position for you.

For some teens, doctors advise combining medicines to control different symptoms. For example, people who get heartburn after eating can try taking both antacids and H 2 blockers. The antacid goes to work first to neutralize the acid in the stomach, while the H 2 blocker acts on acid production. By the time the antacid stops working, the H 2 blocker will have stopped acid production. Surgery is rarely needed in healthy teens.

During the surgery, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter to strengthen the sphincter and prevent reflux. Fundoplication has been used in people of all ages, even babies with severe GERD.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce or even stop uncomfortable GERD symptoms. Untreated GERD can cause permanent damage to the esophagus. You'll probably find that one of the simplest ways to make living with GERD easier is to avoid the things that trigger your symptoms.

Some people will have to limit certain foods; others may have to give them up entirely. It all depends on your symptoms. It can be hard to give up sodas or favorite foods at first. But after a while, lots of people discover that they feel so much better that they don't miss the problem foods as much as they thought they would.

Reviewed by: Jolanda M. Denham, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. Other symptoms of GERD include: a sore, raw throat or hoarse voice a frequent sour taste of acid, especially when lying down a feeling of burping acid into the mouth trouble swallowing a feeling that food is stuck in the throat a feeling of choking that may wake someone up a dry cough bad breath What Causes GERD?