Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where the stomach contents (both solid and liquid) regurgitate back into the oesophagus causing a variety of symptoms. The oesophagus is the tube that serves as passageway of from the pharynx that is located at the back of the throat to the stomach. At the bottom end of the oesophagus is the muscular lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES is faulty, the stomach acid rises up the oesophagus causing irritation (acid reflux).
GERD is different from acid reflux. The latter is the backward flow of acid into the oesophagus, which can eventually develop to GERD, a more severe form of reflux. In other words, frequent acid reflux can be a symptom of GERD. People with frequent attacks of GERD may need stronger medications than people who have acid reflux once in a while. GERD is not a medical emergency and rarely causes any complications, if any.
Risk Factors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
When a person swallows, the lower oesophageal sphincter relaxes to allow foods and liquids to flow down into the stomach and closes again. In some cases,the lower oesophageal sphincter may relax and weaken causing amounts of stomach acid to flow back up into the oesophagus. Certain factors increase a person’s risk for the stomach acid to regurgitate up into the oesophagus which includes the following:
- Certain medications such as, beta-blockers, sedatives, anticholinergics, bronchodilators, calcium channel blockers, progestin, dopamine-active drugs and tricyclic antidepressants
- Consistently eating large meals, especially before bedtime
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Hiatal hernia
- Alcohol
- Dry mouth
- Asthma
- Smoking
- Scleroderma
Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
The following are symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease:
- Heartburn, which typically starts from the chest that spreads to the neck, throat and even jaw
- Chest pain
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Voice hoarseness and sore throat
- Dry cough or wheezing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sensation of lump in the throat
- Sensation that food is stuck behind the sternum (breastbone)
First Aid Treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
When symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease show, it is not usually a medical emergency. With appropriate treatment, GERD can be effectively managed at home without medical treatment. However, it may be necessary to seek medical advice to ensure that proper treatment is given. For home treatment, the following tips are recommended to ease symptoms:
- Identify the foods and beverages causing the acid reflux and try to eliminate this from the diet as much as possible.
- To relieve of pain, take paracetamol. Avoid taking ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen.
- Take over-the-counter (OTC) antacids after meals and at bedtime to neutralize stomach acid.
- OTC and prescription proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers are sometimes also advised by physicians.
- Eat smaller portions during meals but eat more frequently to avoid build-up of acid in the stomach.
- Avoid lying down or bending after eating as this may aggravate pain. Wait at least three hours before lying down post meal.
Disclaimer: The information should not be used for medical diagnosis or medical treatment. To learn how to manage digestive problems, such as gastrointestinal reflux disease, join in First Aid Courses.