GERD Health Video

Video Transcript

SUSAN MCGLADERRY, BM, BCH, MRCP: Hello. My name is Dr. Susan McGladerry. I'm the medical director from FirstMed Centers in Budapest, Hungary and I'd like to give you some information about the condition known as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. This is a common condition in which food or liquid travels backwards from the stomach often to the esophagus. This action can cause irritation of the esophagus causing heartburn and other symptoms. It's cause by a problem with the lower esophageal sphincter. This muscle band does not close properly so food and liquid therefore move backwards. The risk factors for reflux include problems such as hiatus hernia, obesity, pregnancy, and a medical condition known as scleroderma. The typical symptom of GERD is heartburn, a burning pain the chest beneath the breast bone. This is increased by bending or stooping, lying down, or eating. It's relieved by antacids typically. It may be more frequent or worse at night that may also be associated belching or regurgitation of food, sometimes with nausea and vomiting including blood in the vomit. There may also be hoarseness or change in the voice, sore throat or difficulty swallowing. Sometimes, a cough or wheeze may be the only symptom. How is GERD diagnosed? A stool sample may be positive for blood and endoscopy may show ulceration or inflammation of the esophagus. What about the treatment of someone with the symptoms of GERD? General measures include things like weight reduction and avoiding lying down immediately after meals. It helps to sleep with the head of the bed elevated slightly. It's important that any medication should be taken with plenty of water. Avoiding certain substances in the diet such as fat, chocolate, caffeine and peppermint may help; also avoiding alcohol and tobacco can help symptoms. There are certain medications that will also relieve symptoms including taking an antacid after meals and at bedtime or using a histamine H2 receptor blocker or PPI or proton pump inhibitor medication. If medications don't help, there is an option for surgery in some patients. On a long-term basis, most people respond to behavioral modification and some medications. You can prevent GERD by avoiding food or activities that provoke the symptoms. It also helps to maintain a healthy body weight. You should call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms that are worsening or don't improve with lifestyle changes or simple medications.