What Is GERD?

Occasional feelings of heartburn are normal, but if you experience heartburn frequently, you could have a chronic condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD. Your gastroenterologist can help. The gastroenterologists at Queens Boulevard Endoscopy Center in Rego Park, NY, provide a wide range of gastroenterology services, including diagnosis and treatment of GERD.

What You Need To Know About Gerd

GERD is a chronic condition. It begins as acid reflux disease, which is caused by malfunction of the sphincter muscle which separates the esophagus from the stomach. Normally, the sphincter muscle closes completely, keeping stomach acid from coming back up into your throat.

When the sphincter muscle doesn’t close completely, stomach acid flows back into your throat. You may start experiencing signs and symptoms like these:

• A sore, irritated throat
• Frequent bad breath
• Frequent sour taste in your mouth

Acid reflux can develop into a chronic condition known as GERD. Signs and symptoms become more severe. When you have GERD, you may experience frequently:

• Severe sore throats
• Dry coughing and wheezing
• Nausea, vomiting, or chest pain
• Tooth Sensitivity

You can do a lot to minimize the frequency and severity of GERD symptoms. You need to:

• Eat small meals several times during the day
• Avoid eating a large meal, especially before bed
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products
• Avoid or limit eating spicy or acidic foods
• Take over-the-counter antacid medications

For moderate to severe GERD symptoms, you should visit an expert–your gastroenterologist. Common treatments for GERD include:

• Dietary and nutritional counseling
• Prescription-strength antacid medications
• Prescription-strength medications to strengthen the esophageal sphincter muscle
• Surgical treatment for severe GERD that doesn’t respond to medication therapy

If you think you might have GERD, don’t ignore it. Untreated GERD can develop into some serious medical conditions, including:

• Damage to your esophagus
• Esophageal cancer
• Increased dental sensitivity
• Increased dental decay

Want To Know More?

To learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of GERD, call the gastroenterologists at Queens Boulevard Endoscopy Center in Rego Park, NY. You can reach them in the office by calling (718) 406-8000, so call today.