Understanding GERD: Is it more than just heartburn?

It's normal to occasionally experience the discomfort of heartburn, acid reflux or indigestion after a rich meal. At what point does heartburn become concerning?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects around 20% of the U.S. population, according to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. GERD is more than just your typical heartburn; it causes stomach contents (food or liquid) to leak backwards into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.

Infrequent heartburn is common. While it can be annoying, and sometimes painful, it does not necessarily mean that you have GERD. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems. Anyone — including infants, children and pregnant women — can have GERD.

Symptoms of GERD

It can be tough to distinguish the difference between occasional heartburn and GERD. The common symptoms of GERD include chronic heartburn (burning pain in the chest) and regurgitation. Less common symptoms include chronic cough, nausea, sore throat and a hoarse voice.

Who is at risk of GERD?

Those at risk of developing GERD are typically males and people with a family history of gastrointestinal symptoms. Obesity can increase the risk of GERD up to six times. Smoking, pregnancy, scleroderma, certain medications, hiatal hernia and excessive alcohol consumption are also risk factors.

How is GERD diagnosed?

GERD is often diagnosed based upon symptoms and response to anti-reflux medication. However, symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose GERD, so testing is required for conclusive diagnosis. If you have a diagnosis of GERD based on symptoms, take proton pump inhibitors and still have reflux symptoms, you can speak to a gastroenterologist about a reflux test.

Select TriStar Health facilities offer innovative testing that provides accurate information, allowing us to provide a tailored therapy to meet your needs.

So, I have GERD. What can I do about it?

It might be a relief to know that GERD can improve with lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, consuming nutritious, smaller meals and refraining from eating right before bed. If these changes don't help on their own, your doctor might prescribe medications.

Seemingly small choices in our daily lives can be a slippery slope to indigestion, so take note of our tips for handling heartburn:

• Know the foods that irritate your stomach and trigger heartburn and avoid them. Chocolate, citrus juices, onions, tomatoes, soft drinks, coffee and alcohol tend to cause heartburn.
• Eat smaller meals more often and savor small bites.
• Take a walk after meals — this helps food digest which prevents heartburn.
• Wear comfortable clothes — tight clothing, including belts, can push stomach acid up into your esophagus.

If you’re concerned you may have GERD, speak to your primary care doctor or reach out to a gastroenterologist. Looking for a doctor? You can find TriStar Health physicians close to home.