Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition in which stomach acid or bile flows backward from the stomach and back up into the esophagus. When the acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes irritation and destruction and makes the throat more susceptible to damage and pain. Acid reflux and its accompanying symptoms are common digestive problems that are experienced occasionally by a number of people. However, if the acid reflux occurs two or more times per week, it can be diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Causes
The lower esophageal sphincter is a valve that is located in the area where the esophagus meets the stomach. In normal circumstances, the valve opens to let contents into the stomach from the esophagus but does not allow contents in the stomach to move backward into the esophagus. In those with gastroesophageal reflux disease, the lower esophageal sphincter opens unexpectedly or does not close properly. When this happens, stomach contents, such as acid and bile, rise into the esophagus. There are a number of conditions that increase the risk for developing gastroesophageal reflux disease. These risk factors include obesity, smoking, asthma, diabetes, pregnancy, hiatal hernias and connective tissue disorders, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease is a burning sensation in the chest, called heartburn, which radiates up to the throat and causes a sore throat and pain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Heartburn may also cause a sour taste to develop in the mouth. Other symptoms include chest pain, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, belching, cough and change in voice.
Treatment
Available treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease include a number of medications and surgery. Antacids are a class of medication that work by neutralizing the acid in the stomach. Foaming agents can cover the contents of the stomach with foam, which may prevent contents from rising back up into the esophagus, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Prokinetics are another class of drug that work by strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter and preventing it from opening and closing spontaneously. The most effective treatment is usually a combination of these medications. If the acid reflux cannot be controlled with medication, surgery to strengthen the esophageal sphincter may be needed.
Lifestyle Modifications
A number of lifestyle modifications can be made to decrease the frequency of which gastroesophageal reflux occurs. Maintaining a healthy weight is an important lifestyle modification. Excess weight can exert extra pressure on the abdomen, which physically causes the stomach acids to rise back into the esophagus by pushing on the stomach, according to the Mayo Clinic. Losing weight or maintaining an already healthy weight can reduce this pressure. Wearing loose clothing can also help ease symptoms because tight clothing can cause pressure and restriction on the stomach. Certain foods, such as fried food, garlic, spicy foods and caffeine, may trigger symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. In order to prevent symptoms, avoid these trigger foods.
Complications
If left untreated, gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause serious complications. An esophageal stricture, which is a narrowing in the esophagus due to the development of scar tissue, can form and make it difficult to breath. Esophageal ulcers can also form due to the destructive of esophageal tissue from the stomach acid. These ulcers can cause throat pain and difficulty breathing and swallowing. The repeated exposure to stomach acid can also cause precancerous lesions to form on the esophagus.
