What is GERD? The Facts about Reflux
Lately there has been a lot of talk about GERD. GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease or as it is more commonly called, acid reflux. Known for years simply as heartburn, reflux is the uncomfortable sensation that you experience when acid from your stomach backs up into your esophagus. This misdirection of the stomach acid can lead to heartburn, nausea, vomiting and even injury to your esophagus in the form of ulcers. GERD can strike adults and children, with many infants being diagnosed with reflux in their first month or two of life. GERD in adults is diagnosed by coupling a detailed medical history with a series of investigative tests. Ranging from barium swallows to endoscopies, the tests are in place to determine not only the presence of the condition but also to measure the severity. Depending upon how much damage may have been done, it may be necessary to treat not only the underlying cause of the reflux but also the damage that it has caused. Reflux is most often caused by a structural defect in the flap that separates the stomach from the esophagus. Generally a "one-way" door, this flap can allow contents form the stomach to re-enter the esophagus in the case of vomiting. In a person with reflux, this flap is particularly susceptible to allowing liquid from the stomach to be regurgitated. GERD can be treated in a number of ways. For infants, a combination of medications, changes in diet and proper positioning during and after feeding is needed in order to yield any true results. If the baby is formula fed, a doctor may prescribe a non-allergenic soy based formula, mixed with a bit of rice cereal. The cereal is believed to thicken the formula, making it easier for the baby to keep down. It is also recommended that the infant be fed in and then kept in a reasonably upright position after eating. For adults, there are a range of recommended diet changes and medications that can be taken. For most patients suffering from GERD, changes to diet and lifestyle may be enough to render some improvement. For the vast majority, coupling those changes with medication will make a significant difference. For a small portion though, surgery may be necessary to repair a hiatal hernia or other physical deformity that is causing the reflux. If you believe that you are suffering from reflux, you should consult your doctor and get treatment as soon as possible.
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