GERD: Understanding its Symptoms and Treatment
Affecting more than three million people in the United States, gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD, is the irritation that occurs when acidic contents of the stomach leak into the esophagus.
With symptoms of heartburn/non-cardiac chest pain, regurgitation, nausea, burning in the throat, and even difficulty swallowing and tooth erosion, the prevalence of GERD can significantly impact the quality of life of those suffering from it.
"Once a physician has confirmed a diagnosis of GERD, individualized treatment can begin, and each patient can make lifestyle modifications that may provide the lasting relief and comfort they're looking for," said Dr. Chris Uitvlugt, a general surgeon with McLaren Bay Region.
Resulting from a dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter - the muscles that prevent stomach contents from moving back into the esophagus - the risk for developing GERD can be increased by obesity, overeating at meals, consuming certain foods, smoking, pregnancy, certain anti-inflammatory medications, and previously having a hiatal hernia.
"Every patient is unique, which means each of their care plans needs to be unique and personalized as well," said Dr. Uitvlugt said. "For some, lifestyle changes and medications may resolve their symptoms. But once someone has tried those and still failed to find lasting relief, then it's time to consult a surgeon and consider a minor procedure."
Called a fundoplication, the minimally invasive surgery can typically be performed laparoscopically - which uses a camera and a series of small incisions rather than a large abdominal incision.
During a fundoplication, surgeons reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter by folding the top of the stomach around it.
"A patient can expect to return to normal activity in two to three weeks," Dr. Uitvlugt said, "but I also encourage my patients to maintain a lifestyle that keeps their risk for GERD low, helping to avoid those quality of life-limiting symptoms that made them originally seek treatment."
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