Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Evaluate your Acid Reflux/GERD
Take this 5-minute assessment to understand your symptoms and to see if treatment is recommended.
Overview
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid, or occasionally bile, leak backwards from the stomach into the food pipe (esophagus), causing irritation of the lining in the esophagus.
About 20-30% of Orange County residents suffer from daily chronic reflux. Some individuals can manage their condition with medications and lifestyle changes, yet for others, stronger medications or possibly surgery is needed.
Symptoms of GERD
Individuals that suffer daily from one or many of these symptoms below should speak with their physician about the possibility of GERD:
- Heartburn
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Regurgitation
- Shortness of breath
- Asthma
- Cough
- Weight loss
Complications of GERD
When left untreated, or not treated to the proper extent, GERD can sometimes lead to other complications, including:
- Esophagitis—inflammation of the esophagus
- Esophageal stricture—narrowing of the esophagus
- Esophageal ulcer—an open sore in the esophagus
Or, in some extreme cases, GERD can lead to precancerous changes to the esophagus, called Barrett’s esophagus, which, in turn, can lead to esophageal cancer.
Barrett’s Esophagus and Cancer
About 20 percent of individuals living with GERD develop Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus is when the esophagus reacts to the repeated injury from the acidic fluid by changing the type of cells lining it from squamous (normal cells) to columnar (intestinal-type cells). This transformation is believed to be a protective response to make the esophagus more resistant to injury.
About 3.3 million American adults have Barrett’s esophagus. With modern medical technology, they can be treated.
GERD Treatment Options
Treatment options are available for individuals living with GERD, who have tried yet found little to no reprieve or symptom relief from daily PPI’s/medications, or who do not wish to be on long term PPI medications. Some treatment options are also available for individuals with long term complications due to their GERD like a pre-cancer condition called Barrett’s esophagus.