Severe GERD Symptoms

Much of the population suffers from occasional heartburn--the burning sensation or pain felt just behind the breastbone whenever acid backs up into the esophagus. While heartburn is the main symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), having heartburn doesn't necessarily mean you have GERD. If these symptoms occur often (twice a week or more), then GERD may be diagnosed and treatment is essential to prevent potentially serious side-effects.

Function

GERD is commonly known as acid-reflux disease. Acid reflux occurs as a result of a malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter. This is the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach and when it doesn't fully close, it allows the acids in the stomach to back up into the esophagus, causing discomfort.

Identification

The most common symptom of GERD is persistent heartburn. This burning sensation can also occur in the throat and jaw area, and can be accompanied by an acidic, sour taste in the mouth. Other related symptoms may include belching, sore throat, difficulty swallowing (a condition known as dysphagia) and dental problems, including gum inflammation and erosion of tooth enamel.

Effects

Over time, the presence of acid in the esophagus can lead to irritation and inflammation of the esophageal lining (esophagitis). In severe cases, this acid exposure can lead to ulcers and the subsequent formation of scar tissue, resulting in narrowing of the esophagus which can further impede the swallowing of food. A serious, though uncommon, complication of GERD is a condition known as Barrett's esophagus. In this condition, the esophagus undergoes a cellular change (metaplasia) and is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Types

Sometimes, there may be an underlying medical condition responsible for the GERD symptoms. One such condition is hiatal hernia, where an opening in the diaphragm allows the uppermost part of the stomach to protrude into the chest area, and interferes with the function of the lower esophageal sphincter. Depending upon the severity of the case, surgery may be necessary. When it comes to diagnosis, doctors can run various tests to rule out other conditions and confirm a diagnosis of GERD. A barium swallow radiograph is an X-ray that shows whether liquid is indeed refluxing into the esophagus, and can also reveal any damage to the esophagus. Another common test is an upper endoscopy, where a small camera is inserted via a small tube into the throat of a sedated patient to show the doctor the condition of the esophagus and stomach.

Prevention/Solution

Lifestyle choices don't cause GERD, but they certainly influence the severity of the symptoms. Certain choices like avoiding alcohol and tobacco and maintaining a healthy weight can lessen or even help you avoid the effects of GERD, as can refraining from lying down immediately after eating meals. Certain foods are also known to be triggers for the condition; among them are chocolate, peppermint, citrus, caffeinated drinks and spicy foods. As challenging as it may be, avoiding them whenever possible will lessen the symptoms. For many people, making such lifestyle changes are all that is needed to manage the condition. For others, medication will be required. If the symptoms are relatively mild, over-the-counter antacids such as Maalox will probably be sufficient. In more severe cases, H2 blockers, which can help revent the production of stomach acids, may be prescribed. If the case is severe enough, surgery may also be necessary.

Warning

Sufferers must use extreme caution when evaluating heartburn symptoms, as chest pains that also radiate into the jaw can also be a sign of a more serious condition like angina, or even an impending heart attack. Any chest pains should be promptly addressed by a doctor.