GERD: It’s more than just heartburn

“Doctor...I feel a sour taste going up my throat that wakes me up in the middle of the night. I have tried several medications and nothing seems to be working.”

“Doctor...there are times I cannot breathe and I get this disturbing lump in my throat but my current chest X-ray is normal.”

“Doctor...I frequently experience chest pain but all my heart tests are normal, it’s giving me anxiety.”

“Doctor...I have been in the Emergency Room several times because of heartburn attacks and these attacks have caused me to skip work.”

Are these statements too familiar? These are the landscapes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) patients that physicians usually encounter during their clinic consults. GERD occurs when acid and stomach content go up the esophagus. This acid reflux can irritate or damage the lining of the esophagus, which may lead to inflammation. Over time, others with chronic inflammation may reach the end of the spectrum of GERD and develop esophageal complications.

Everyone can experience acid reflux. However, others are more sensitive and experience an array of discomfort. Most people can manage the discomfort of GERD with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. On the other hand, some may need stronger medications, further investigation into the condition, or even surgery to relieve the symptoms.

Epidemiological data have shown that the prevalence of symptomatic GERD has been rising in the Asia Pacific Region. In 2005, the prevalence of GERD in Eastern Asia was approximately 2.5-4.8% and has increased to 5.2-8.5% by 2010.

Erosive Esophagitis (EE), a common complication of GERD, has more than doubled in the past two decades in the Philippines, according to previously reported time trend studies.

A similar gradual rising trend of EE has been noted at St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City Institute of Digestive and Liver Diseases (IDLD) since 2010. In most cases, the grading of severity of Erosive Esophagitis remains mild. Unfortunately, bothersome symptoms of GERD and the associated morbidities have resulted to a significant loss in one’s productivity due to work absences and diminished quality of life.

In addition, long-term symptomatic GERD may be a risk factor for adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus. This awareness and heightened consciousness has created anxiety for both physicians and patients.

Here are ten tips that can be done to better manage one’s GERD:

• Lose weight

• Eat small but frequent meals

• Exercise

• Limit alcohol intake

• Reduce caffeine intake

• Elevate head of bed

• Avoid excessive liquids during a meal

• Do not smoke

• Substitute water for soda

• Talk to your doctor

This week, St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City celebrates the GERD Awareness Week and will concentrate on the “Burning Issues in GERD” with scientific lectures focused on the latest advances and knowledge on GERD, including a lay forum and free clinic.

Sources:

1. CPG. Diagnosis and Treatment of GERD. Philippine Journal of Internal Medicine. 2015

2. Asia Pacific Consensus on GERD. 2015

3. St. Luke Medical Center. Institute of Digestive and Liver Diseases. 2017

4. Mayo Clinic. Patient Care and Health Information. 2017

Dr. Roel Leonardo R. Galang is a Fellow of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), Philippines Society of Gastroenterology (PSG), Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy (PSDE), and is an active Consultant Staff of St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City’s Institute of Digestive and Liver Diseases (IDLD).