GERD Awareness Week

The week of Thanksgiving is national GERD Awareness Week (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Overindulging often leads to symptoms of heartburn, bloating, and regurgitation. However, when these symptoms occur on a regular basis despite normal eating habits, you may have GERD. The difference between normal reflux and GERD has to do with the amount of reflux you are having. Wear a periwinkle blue enamel awareness ribbon pin or silicone wristband to call attention to GERD. Enamel pins are available in both a personalized and non-personalized version. Engrave your pin with a name, date, or message to call awareness to this important month.

What is Normal?

Reflux symptoms a few times a month are completely normal. They likely do not need any specific treatment other than occasional over the counter medications. However, symptoms that occur several times a week or require daily medication are concerning for GERD. It is important to recognize if you have GERD.

If left untreated, it can lead to complications including:

• Damage to the esophagus.
• Damage to the throat.
• Inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus.
• Respiratory problems.
• Esophageal cancer.

Symptoms of GERD

Although not all GERD patients experience heartburn, it remains the most common symptom of GERD. Other symptoms include tasting food or acid in the back of the mouth. In addition, symptoms of GERD include:

• Bad breath.
• Chest or abdominal pain.
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
• Nausea.
• Teeth erosion.
• Vomiting.

Several of these symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes. These include avoiding certain foods. These foods are chocolate, peppermint, coffee, tomatoes, and alcoholic beverages. Eating smaller portions, not smoking and losing weight, if necessary, can also help treat GERD symptoms. If symptoms do not improve after basic managing techniques have been attempted, doctors may prescribe medication or suggest surgery as treatment.

GERD Is Not An Acid Problem – Learn More During GERD Awareness Week

It is important to know that GERD is not an acid problem. The acid in our stomach is important for food digestion, absorption of electrolytes, and killing the bacteria in the food we eat. GERD is a problem with the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. With GERD, the valve does not work appropriately to keep the acid in the stomach. Antacid medications get rid of acid. This can help with symptoms but does not stop reflux. Medications are very useful for mild or intermittent symptoms. However, if you are dependent on daily medication, you can still have severe complications from GERD. These include developing esophageal cancer despite not having any symptoms.

There are endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures that can fix the valve and cure GERD. It is also important to evaluate for conditions that can be related to GERD. These include sleep apnea, allergies and asthma.

How Long Does It Take for GERD to Go Away?

The answer depends on the individual and the severity of their GERD. Some people’s symptoms may disappear within a few weeks with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.

However, for others, GERD can be a chronic condition that requires long-term treatment.

Some ways to treat acid reflux are:

• Avoiding triggering foods and drinks such as caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits, tomato sauce, fried foods, and fatty meats.
• Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
• Chewing gum to increase saliva production and help neutralize stomach acid.
• Wearing loose-fitting clothes to avoid putting pressure on the stomach.
• Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated to prevent acid from refluxing into the throat during the night.
• Taking over-the-counter medications such as antacids or histamine blockers.

How You Can Get Involved in GERD Awareness Week

The more we work together to raise awareness for GERD, the greater our ability to impact positive outcomes. This includes additional research, increased educational opportunities, and improved patient care for the GI community.