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GERD Essentials
By Michael Sanford
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, a clinical condition that occurs when reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus is severe enough to impact the patient’s life and/or damage the esophagus. Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus while reflux means to flow back or return. You see, when chewed-up food slides down the esophagus or swallowing tube, and into the stomach, there digestive juices begin to break down the food. A special type of muscle called a sphincter connects the esophagus and the stomach. The sphincter works like a gate. It opens up so food can get into the stomach, and then it closes again. This keeps the food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back into the esophagus. However, if the sphincter is weak or opens at the wrong time, there's a problem. Whatever's in the stomach goes the wrong way, which is back up into the esophagus. And because what's in the stomach is high in acid, this can irritate the esophagus. This condition is then called reflux.
GERD affects at least an estimated 5% to 7% of the global population. GERD is most common in adults over age 40 but virtually anyone can get GERD, even infants. Persistent heartburn is the most frequent symptom of GERD. It is an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone, most commonly occurring after a meal. This condition has nothing to do with the heart, but everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Eating too much and going to bed in a very full stomach can cause heartburn in a lot of people. The difference between GERD and heartburn is that GERD is a disease and heartburn is its most common symptom. Almost everyone has experienced heartburn. About 25 million American adults suffer daily from heartburn. Someone who experiences recurring, significant heartburn two or more times a week may have GERD. Frequent heartburn that disrupts one's lifestyle suggests the diagnosis of GERD. Another symptom of GERD is regurgitation. It is a sensation of acid backed up in the esophagus.
Early diagnosis of GERD is important to avoid complications in the future. A physician can usually make an easy diagnosis of GERD if the patient finds relief from persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation after taking antacids for short periods. Laboratory or more invasive tests, including endoscopy, barium-swallow radiograph, PH monitor examination, and manometry may be required if the diagnosis is
Health-monitoring technology helps seniors live at home longer, MU researchers find
(<i>University of Missouri-Columbia</i>) University of Missouri researchers are using sensors, computers and communication systems, along with supportive health care services to monitor the health of older adults who are living at home. According to the researchers, motion sensor networks installed in seniors' homes can detect changes in behavior and physical activity, including walking and sleeping patterns. Early identification of these changes can prompt health care interventions that can delay or prevent serious health events.
Wii Fit a promising tool for all ages
(<i>Kansas State University</i>) A Kansas State University researcher thinks games like Nintendo's Wii Fit can help promote physical rather than sedentary activities for people of all ages.
Traditional risk assessment tools do not accurately predict coronary heart disease
(<i>American Roentgen Ray Society</i>) The Framingham and National Cholesterol Education Program tools do not accurately predict coronary heart disease, according to a study performed at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn.
Old gastrointestinal drug slows aging, McGill researchers say
(<i>McGill University</i>) Recent animal studies have shown that an 80-year old drug once used to treat gastrointestinal disorders can reverse the progression of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. However, scientists had a variety of theories to attempt to explain how a single compound could have such similar effects on three unrelated neurodegenerative disorders. According to researchers at McGill University, clioquinol might actually slow down the aging process. The study was published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Four, three, two, one . . . pterosaurs have lift off
(<i>Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions</i>) Pterosaurs have long suffered an identity crisis. Pop culture heedlessly -- and wrongly -- lumps these extinct flying lizards in with dinosaurs. Even paleontologists assumed that because the creatures flew, they were birdlike in many ways, such as using only two legs to take flight.
Most babies with uncomplicated febrile seizures can avoid spinal tap
(<i>Children's Hospital Boston</i>) Do babies with febrile seizures need spinal taps? The largest study to date suggests that most can be spared these painful procedures -- if the seizure is uncomplicated and if the baby is well-appearing. The researchers, from the Children's Hospital Boston emergency department, hope the findings will reassure anxious parents, and are calling on the American Academy of Pediatrics to change their current recommendations, which date to 1996.
MR arthrography is more accurate than MR in diagnosing shoulder tears
(<i>American Roentgen Ray Society</i>) MR arthrography of the shoulder allows physicians to better identify tears and provides patients with an accurate diagnosis to determine whether or not surgery is needed, according to a study performed at Neuroskeletal Imaging in Merritt Island, Fla.
Interpretation time for screening digital mammograms: Is it efficient?
(<i>American Roentgen Ray Society</i>) Digital mammograms take longer to interpret than film-screen mammograms, according to a study performed at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
3T MRI can detect wrist ligament tears, possibly eliminating need for invasive arthroscopy
(<i>American Roentgen Ray Society</i>) MRI of the wrist at 3T is an effective way to detect wrist ligament tears and in some cases can avoid unnecessary surgery, according to a study performed at Neuroskeletal Imaging in Merritt Island, Florida.
UCSF-Tanzania get $7.5M from Gates Foundation for partnership to train African health workers
(<i>University of California - San Francisco</i>) UCSF has received a $7.5 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to partner with a Tanzanian health sciences university to help address Africa's urgent need for health care workers.
Biologist finds plant polymerases IV and V are really variants of Polymerase II
(<i>Washington University in St. Louis</i>) It's a little like finding out that Superman is actually Clark Kent. A team of biologists at Washington University in St. Louis has discovered that two vital cellular components, nuclear RNA Polymerases IV and V, found only in plants, are actually specialized forms of RNA Polymerase II, an essential enzyme of all eukaryotic organisms, including humans.
Vision problems prompt older drivers to put down the keys
(<i>Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology</i>) With 30 million drivers in the US aged 65 and over, we count on older Americans to recognize when they can no longer drive safely and decide that it's time to stay off the road. A new study finds that a decrease in vision function is a key factor in bringing about this decision.
NC State researchers find new bartonella species that infects humans
(<i>North Carolina State University</i>) Researchers at North Carolina State University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have produced the first link between a species of bacteria most commonly found in sheep and human illness.
International experts weigh-in on harmful algal blooms
(<i>University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science</i>) An international group of scientists is linking nutrient pollution in the world's coastal seas to an increased number of harmful algal blooms reported in recent years. When harmful algal blooms occur, they taint seafood with toxins, cause human respiratory and skin irritations and cause fish or mammal kills in coastal waters. Scientists outline nutrient pollution's role in this increased frequency in the December edition of Harmful Algae.
MAQUET opens North America's first VARIOP prefabricated operating suite system
(<i>MAQUET, Inc.</i>) MAQUET Inc., a subsidiary of the Swedish-based Getinge Group and one of the oldest and largest surgical equipment companies in the world, has announced that it has completed North America's first installation of its advanced, prefabricated VARIOP operating room system in Spartanburg, S.C.
News from the January 2009 Journal of the American Dietetic Association
(<i>American Dietetic Association</i>) The January issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association features research studies focusing on everyday eating habits of consumers. Researchers look at why sack lunches may not always meet the nutritional needs of preschool children and how making time for meals directly influences diets of young adults.
still uncertain. If patients develop persistent GERD with frequent relapses, however, and it remains untreated, serious complications can develop over time. Such complications can include the following: ulcers, severe narrowing of the esophagus, erosion of the lining of the esophagus, precancerous changes in the cells of the esophagus, and problems in other areas, including the teeth, throat, and airways leading to the lungs
There are various methods to effectively treat GERD starting from lifestyle measures to the use of medication or surgical procedures. But initial treatment of GERD is with lifestyle changes. Eating anything within three hours before bedtime should be avoided, stop smoking, avoid fatty foods, decrease portions of food at mealtime, elevating the head of the bed or mattress 6 to 8 inches, and losing weight if overweight. It is essential for individuals who suffer GERD to change their lifestyle, and seek an accurate diagnosis with their physician to receive the most effective treatment available.
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