GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. (GERD) refers to symptoms or tissue damage caused by gastroesophageal reflux. During the first year "spitting up" is a normal phenomena in infants as their body develops. If reflux persists beyond the age of one, it can lead to a failure to gain weight adequately, irritation of the esophagus, respiratory difficulties, and other symptoms.

GERD is a disease. It is not caused by lifestyle decisions. It is usually accompanied by obvious symptoms but may occur in the absence of obvious symptoms.

If you can answer "yes" to two or more of the following questions, you may have GERD.

1) Do you frequently have one or more of the following:

An uncomfortable feeling behind the breastbone that seems to be moving upward from the stomach?
A burning sensation in the back of your throat?
A bitter acid taste in your mouth?

2) Do you often experience these problems after meals?
3) Do you experience heartburn or acid indigestion two or more times per week?
4) Do you find that antacids only provide temporary relief from your symptoms?
5) Are you taking prescription medication to treat heartburn, but still having symptoms?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, affects at least an estimated 5% to 7% of the global population?men, women, and children. (Prevalence based on once per day heartburn.) Heartburn and/or acid regurgitation experienced weekly has been found to occur in 19.8% of individuals.(1)
Although common, GERD often is unrecognized,its symptoms misunderstood. This is unfortunate because GERD is generally a treatable disease. Serious complications can result if it is not treated properly.

Persistent heartburn is the most frequent,but not the only,symptom of GERD. (The disease may be present even without apparent symptoms.) Heartburn is so common that it often is not associated with a serious disease, like GERD. All too often, GERD is either self- treated or mistreated. The most frequent symptoms of GERD are so common that they may not be associated with a disease. Self-diagnosis can lead to mistreatment. Consultation with a physician is essential to proper diagnosis and treatment of GERD. If you suspect you may have GERD, or that your child may be suffering from reflux, the first step is to consult a physician to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

GERD is a chronic disease. Treatment usually must be maintained on a long-term basis, even after symptoms have been brought under control. Issues of daily living, and compliance with long-term use of medication need to be addressed as well. This can be accomplished through follow-up, support, and education.

Various methods to effectively treat GERD range from lifestyle measures to the use of medication or surgical procedures. It is essential for individuals who suffer persistent heartburn or other chronic and recurrent symptoms of GERD to seek an accurate diagnosis, to work with their physician, and to receive the most effective treatment available.

Pharmacy Innovations can help with custom compounded medications to treat GERD. For more information on how we can help you, please click  This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it   to contact us today.

References
(1) Locke GR, Talley NH, Fett SL, Zinsmeister AR, Melton LJ. "Prevalence and Clinical Spectrum of Gastroesophageal Reflux: a Population-based Study in Olmsted County," Gastroenterology, May 1997