All You Need to Know About Acid Reflux
by Ruby Jhaj, MD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when stomach contents containing acid move up into the esophagus, causing irritation to the esophagus. It is common for individuals to experience indigestion or heartburn occasionally. However, if you experience acid reflux symptoms more than twice per week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

GERD results from improper function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a circular band of muscle at the end of the esophagus. Acid reflux happens when your LES doesn’t tighten or close properly, which allows digestive juices and stomach contents to rise up into the esophagus.

GERD affects 20% of people and if left untreated, it may lead to serious complications. Symptoms include persistent heartburn, a feeling of fullness or a lump in the back of the throat, a chronic cough, hoarse voice and/or bad breath. Some individuals may also experience ‘alarm’ symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, pain with swallowing, nausea or vomiting, weight loss and/or bleeding.

Factors that may contribute to acid reflux include smoking, drinking alcohol, eating large meals before lying down, frequent use of NSAIDs, and health factors (i.e. obesity, pregnancy, connective tissue disorders, anxiety, pregnancy, asthma). Certain foods such as fatty or spicy foods, citrus rich foods, carbonated drinks, coffee and tea can trigger symptoms.  

Commonly, a clinical diagnosis is made with history and physical examination. If any ‘alarm’ symptoms are present, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist for additional testing such as an esophagram, upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry, esophageal pH monitoring, etc.   

Certain lifestyle habits such as breathing exercises, limiting triggering foods/drinks, quitting smoking, avoiding large, heavy meals in the evening, waiting 2-3 hours after eating prior to laying down, elevating your head during sleep may be helpful to reduce symptoms.  Other treatment options entail medication therapy and surgery. If lifestyle modifications do not help, your doctor may provide medications to assist in reducing your stomach’s acid secretion. Medication options include protein pump inhibitors, antacids, H2 receptor blockers. If all this fails, possible surgery options include fundoplication, LINX reflux management system, and bariatric surgery.

For most individuals, GERD doesn’t cause serious complications. However, for some it may cause damage to the esophagus such as inflammation, strictures, Barrett’s esophagus or possibly even cancer. Therefore, it is important to speak with your doctor to avoid any chances of complications by taking steps to manage and treat symptoms.

For more information for you or your loved ones, please contact your primary care physician. Dr. Ruby Jhaj is currently accepting patients and may be reached at 

                                                  760-995-2099