Acid reflux syndrome, better known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, is a chronic digestive disorder that affects the muscle connecting the esophagus and stomach, known as the lower esophageal sphincter, LES, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, NDDIC. The NDDIC states GERD sufferers have a weak LES that allows the contents in the stomach to travel back up into to the esophagus. Refluxed stomach acid then touches the lining of the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat, known as heartburn or acid ingestion, which can be tasted in the back of the mouth.
Causes
Still unclear of the main cause of GERD, researchers believe the LES relaxes while the rest of the esophagus contracts, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Other possible contributing factors include obesity, pregnancy and smoking.
The NDDIC states certain foods may aggravate and worsen reflux symptoms, such as citrus fruits, chocolate, drinks with caffeine or alcohol, fatty or fried food, garlic and onions, mint flavoring, spicy and tomato-based foods, including spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili and pizza.
Risk Factors
The following conditions can increase a person's risk of GERD; obesity, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, smoking, dry mouth, asthma, diabetes and delayed stomach emptying, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of GERD in adults, acid indigestion, normally called frequent heartburn, occurs in the lower part of the mid-chest behind the breast bone and in the mid-abdomen.
Other GERD symptoms include chest pain, difficulty swallowing, dry cough, hoarseness or sore throat, sour taste in the mouth or sensation of a lump in the throat, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Diagnosis
GERD is diagnosed once a medical history is taken and a physical examination is performed. The Cleveland Clinic states doctors may also order other tests to confirm GERD, which include esophagoscopy, barium swallow test, 24-hour pH monitoring, esophageal manometry and gastric emptying studies.
Treatment
The Mayo Clinic states treatment for heartburn and other signs and symptoms of GERD typically begins with over-the-counter medications that control acid reflux. Over-the-counter medications include antacids that neutralize stomach acid, medications to reduce acid production and medications that block acid production and heal the esophagus.
If heartburn persists despite initial approaches, doctors may recommend prescription-strength medications, such as H-2-receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors and medication prescribed to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter.
According to the Mayo Clinic most GERD can be controlled through medications. However, in situations where medications do not fully control the problem, doctors may recommend more invasive procedures, such as surgery to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter, surgery to create a barrier preventing the backup of stomach acid and a procedure to form scar tissue in the esophagus.
Complications
Untreated, chronic GERD can cause serious complications. Refluxed stomach acid causes inflammation of the esophagus that can damage the esophageal lining, causing bleeding or ulcers--esophagitis, according to the NDDIC. Scarring from tissue damage can lead to narrowing of the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow.
NDDIC states studies have shown that GERD may also worsen or contribute to asthma, chronic cough and pulmonary fibrosis.
