Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, often called GERD, is the term we use to illustrate what we see as the result of chronic acid reflux. Acid reflux is the name given to an individual episode or instance of acid backflow from the stomach into the esophagus, what we commonly experience as heartburn.
You may be diagnosed with GERD when acid reflux occurs one or fewer times per week (in mild cases) or at a minimum of two times per week (in moderate-to-severe cases). GERD may develop at any time in life, but it most commonly presents at around age 40. When ignored, individuals have been known to later progress to a complication known as Barrett’s esophagus. If you are suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease, we encourage you to request a consultation with a gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates in Baton Rouge, LA as soon as possible.
What causes GERD?
When we eat food, that food progresses through the esophagus, past the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and into the stomach. When the LES is compromised, it can lose strength and fail to prevent stomach acid from entering back into the esophagus. In most cases, there is not a specific cause that leads to this happening, but you may be at greater risk of suffering from or developing gastroesophageal reflux disease if you meet one or more of these criteria:
- Drink coffee
- Diagnosed with scleroderma (a connective tissue disorder)
- Have a hiatal hernia (when the upper portion of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm)
- Consume large meals late at night
- Consume spicy foods
- Consume raw onion or garlic
- Are overweight
- Drink alcohol excessively
- Lie down often after eating
- Are pregnant
- Are a smoker or use tobacco
What are common symptoms of GERD?
The primary indications of GERD are similar to acid reflux but may be felt more often. Those symptoms include:
- Lump-in-the-throat sensation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pain
- Bloating
- Laryngitis
- Disrupted sleep
- Regurgitation of sour liquids or food
- Long-term cough
- Asthma
- Use of over-the-counter heartburn medication regularly
How is GERD treated?
Managing gastroesophageal reflux disease might consist of lifestyle alterations, medical intervention, or a combination of the two. Treatment options we use to help prevent or alleviate GERD in Baton Rouge, LA patients include:
- Remain awake and stand up after eating
- Lose weight
- Limit caffeine/coffee consumption
- Avoid tobacco use
- Use over-the-counter antacids
- Fundoplication (surgical procedure performed to wrap the stomach around the LES)
- Eat in moderation and slowly
- Do not eat at least two hours before going to bed
- Use prescription-strength antacids (H-2 receptor blockers)
- Sleep on an incline
- Medication to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter
- LINX® device (magnetic beads wrapped around the junction where the esophagus and stomach meet)
- Avoid foods and beverages likely to cause acid reflux
You should also inform your GI specialist about the medications you are currently taking, as these may impact how often you experience heartburn.
GERD FAQs
How can I tell if I have acid reflux or GERD?
The difference between GERD and acid reflux may be unclear. However, GERD is merely acid reflux that occurs more frequently for an extended period of time. If you deal with heartburn or other symptoms daily or more than once throughout the week or have symptoms that don't seem to fade with over-the-counter options, you might be experiencing GERD.
Is there any food I should stay away from if I have GERD?
Foods that increase the collection of acid in your stomach may want to be cut from your diet if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease. Some of these foods include:
- Citrus fruits
- Garlic
- Onion
- Sugary foods
- Spicy foods
- Foods containing salt and pepper
- Caffeine (such as coffee and pop)
- High-fat foods
- Red meat
Our Gastroenterology Associates team can give you additional details on what foods to reduce or cut from your diet if you experience GERD.
Can GERD shorten your lifespan?
GERD is typically not life-threatening. It may make daily tasks more difficult at times, but with proper treatment, relief is possible. If not treated, GERD can lead to more severe issues. These include esophagitis (inflammation of the esophageal lining) and Barrett’s esophagus, which may damage the esophagus (the structure that links the mouth to the stomach). Undergoing the treatment required for GERD can help safeguard your GI health.
How long does it take for GERD to improve after starting treatment?
There are a few factors that impact how long it could take before you feel more like your normal self when you experience gastroesophageal reflux disease. These include the type of medication you are taking, what sort of damage has been brought on by your gastroesophageal reflux disease prior to this point, and how diligently you adhere to a diet that excludes foods that bring about symptoms. However, with treatment, your GERD symptoms can lessen over time. Even though you may not be able to cure GERD, you may be able to have control over its symptoms successfully.
Find relief From GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common condition impacting the lives of countless individuals. With professional care, however, the condition can be addressed, and its unpleasant symptoms minimized. If you or someone you know struggles with GERD, the experienced team of GI specialists at Gastroenterology Associates are ready to help. We urge you to request an appointment so our Baton Rouge, LA gastroenterologists can help treat your GERD.
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