Living With GERD: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Treatment
Living with GERD is a problem that affects you both during the day and at night. It’s a condition that can make everyday life miserable. Heartburn, loss of sleep, waking up with acid and bile in your mouth, excessive burping, and a sour taste in your mouth are only some of the symptoms of GERD. Let’s learn more about living with GERD including the symptoms, causes, and when to seek treatment.
More Than Heartburn: What Are Symptoms of GERD?
We all occasionally get heartburn from eating too much, eating late at night, or eating certain foods. GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is more chronic than an occasional problem. With typical heartburn, you can take an over-the-counter (OTC) medication for heartburn, and it usually goes away. The symptoms of GERD occur more often than simple heartburn, and OTC meds don’t really help.
Unmistakable GERD symptoms include the following:
- Regurgitation
- Sour taste in your mouth
Burping - Nausea
- Dry cough
- Bloating
- Sore throat
- Eventual wearing away of tooth enamel
- Trouble swallowing or feeling like there is a lump in your throat
- Shortness of breath
- Chest or stomach pain
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, talk with a specialist like the ones at KU Wichita Gastroenterology for diagnosis and treatment options.
Causes and Risk Factors of GERD
GERD occurs when the sphincter at the end of your esophagus does not close properly. When we swallow our food, it travels down the esophagus to enter the stomach. If the muscle controlling the sphincter becomes weak, food and stomach acid can come back up into the esophagus causing GERD.
You are more likely to suffer from GERD with the following risk factors:
- Being overweight
- Eating large meals
- Being pregnant
- Have a hiatal hernia
- Regularly take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- If you smoke
What Are Common Triggers?
You are more likely to suffer from GERD when you consume:
- Citrus
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Carbonated drinks
- Peppermint
- Fatty and spicy foods
Reducing or eliminating these triggers can help to improve your symptoms.
When to Seek Treatment
If you are living with GERD, don’t ignore your symptoms. If left untreated, you can be at risk for other more serious health issues. See KU Wichita Gastroenterology and get treatment options and ways to manage this uncomfortable disease.
Living with GERD can cause multiple issues that affect your quality of life. Over time:
- The gastric juices of the stomach can eat away at your esophagus causing real damage to the lining.
- It can also cause esophagitis or an inflammation of the esophagus.
- Peptic ulcers can develop in the esophagus.
- You can develop Barrett’s Syndrome which leads to the cells in the esophagus becoming cancerous.
Finding Relief: Treatment Options for GERD
Lifestyle adjustments can aid your symptoms.
Your GERD specialist may recommend prescription medications or procedures if necessary.
GERD Treatment in Wichita
You do not have to live with GERD symptoms forever. Get the care you need. Contact KU Wichita Gastroenterology at (316) 293-3455 to schedule an evaluation.