GERD happens when the valve between your esophagus and stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) does not close properly or relaxes at the wrong time, allowing acid and stomach contents to wash back up into the esophagus. This ongoing reflux can irritate and inflame the esophageal lining and sometimes the throat or lungs.
Over time, untreated GERD can lead to complications such as esophagitis, strictures, Barrett’s esophagus, or chronic cough and asthma-like symptoms. Many people improve with lifestyle changes and medicines, but some may need endoscopic or surgical options.
GERD most often causes classic heartburn and regurgitation, but it can also show up as chest discomfort, trouble swallowing, chronic cough, or throat symptoms.
Call the office if you have heartburn or reflux symptoms more than twice a week, symptoms that persist despite medication, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, or unexplained weight loss. These may signal the need for further evaluation or a change in your treatment plan.
Seek emergency care for severe chest pain (especially if it may be heart-related), vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, sudden trouble swallowing or inability to swallow liquids, or severe shortness of breath. These symptoms can be signs of a more serious problem that needs immediate attention.
Diagnosis is often based on symptoms and how you respond to a trial of acid-suppressing medication. If symptoms are atypical, severe, or don’t improve, your provider may recommend testing such as upper endoscopy, esophageal pH monitoring, or manometry.
Most patients are managed with lifestyle changes and acid-suppressing medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers. When symptoms persist or complications are present, further evaluation and options like endoscopic or surgical anti-reflux procedures may be considered.
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