GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic medical disorder affecting millions worldwide. It is a digestive disorder in which stomach acid regularly flows back into the oesophagus, resulting in various symptoms and potential problems if left untreated due to the acid reflux irritating the lining of the oesophagus. It is not uncommon for people to experience acid reflux occasionally, however, when this becomes a more frequent episode, it can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease.

SYMPTOMS OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

The symptoms of GERD include:

Chronic cough
Sore throat and/or laryngitis
Heartburn
Regurgitation
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Patients with severe acid reflux may also develop Barrett’s oesophagus, esophagitis, or oesophageal strictures.

DIAGNOSIS

A trained doctor uses a detailed medical history and a thorough examination of the symptoms to determine the probability of GERD. The doctor can establish a preliminary diagnosis based on the reported symptoms; however, confirming the condition’s diagnosis and severity with appropriate diagnostic tests is critical. Several tests can be performed to confirm the disease, such as:

Upper endoscopy: inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the mouth, which analyses the oesophagus to detect inflammation (esophagitis) or other complications. The endoscope transmits images of the oesophagus and the stomach to the doctor, who will be watching a monitor
pH monitoring: a monitor is placed in your oesophagus for 48 hours to identify when and for how long the stomach acid stays there. This procedure is performed through an endoscopy
X-ray of the upper digestive system: after drinking a chalky solution that coats the lining of the digestive tract, X-rays will be taken to see if there are any structural abnormalities
Oesophageal manometry: a test that measures the pressure in the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) as well as the oesophagus’s ability to move correctly through the use of a pressure-sensitive catheter

CAUSES OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

The dysfunction of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscle ring that separates the oesophagus from the stomach, is one of the major causes of GERD. Some variables that might contribute to the LES weakening or relaxation include:

Smoking: smoking decreases the production of saliva which is crucial for neutralising stomach acid
Diet: eating big meals, spicy, fatty foods and drinking alcohol and caffeine can contribute to worsening GERD symptoms
Obesity: excessive weight can put pressure on the stomach and, therefore, weaken the LES
Pregnancy: hormonal changes can contribute to the relaxation of the LES
Hiatal hernia: occurs when part of the stomach protrudes into the diaphragm
Delayed stomach emptying: some conditions, like gastroparesis, that slow the emptying process of the stomach can increase the risk of GERD

COMPLICATIONS

GERD can worsen over time if left untreated and can result in other conditions, such as:

Esophagitis: inflammation of the oesophagus
Barrett’s oesophagus: the cells in the oesophagus can alter into cells that are similar to the ones present in the lining of the intestine, which could develop into oesophageal cancer over time
Respiratory problems: it is possible for the stomach acid to end up in the lungs, which can cause other problems such as asthma, laryngitis and chest congestion

PREVENTION

Gastroesophageal reflux disease can be prevented by making a few changes in your current lifestyle, such as:

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet
Avoiding triggering foods such as fast food, tomatoes, chocolate and spicy food
Eating less but more frequently
Avoid eating and then going straight to bed- let 3 hours pass after the last meal before laying down
Raising the head when sleeping
Limiting alcohol

To book a consultation or for more information, call +971 50 494 6377 to schedule an appointment with our gastroenterologist, Dr Giovanni Leonetti.

Prof. Dr. Giovanni Leonetti is a licensed general surgeon who obtained his medical degree at the University of Rome “La Sapienza”, where he also received his PhD in Advanced Technologies in Surgery. He teaches Gastroenterology at Unicamillus Health University of Rome. During his career, he has refined the most modern and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy techniques for treating diseases affecting the digestive system.

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