What disorder can be caused by reflux disease?

Acid reflux occurs when the sphincter muscle at the lower end of your esophagus relaxes at the wrong time, allowing stomach acid to back up into your esophagus. This can cause heartburn and other signs and symptoms. Frequent or constant reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Is GERD life threatening?

Is GERD (chronic acid reflux) dangerous or life-threatening? GERD isn’t life-threatening or dangerous in itself. But long-term GERD can lead to more serious health problems: Esophagitis: Esophagitis is the irritation and inflammation the stomach acid causes in the lining of the esophagus.

Is GERD a clinical diagnosis?

GERD can usually be diagnosed based on the clinical presentation alone. In some patients, however, the diagnosis may require endoscopy and, rarely, ambulatory pH monitoring. Management includes lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic therapy; refractory disease requires surgery.

What conditions are secondary to GERD?

Common Conditions GERD May Be Secondary to: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD—Chronic coughing caused by COPD may irritate the esophagus which, in turn, could cause the veteran to develop GERD. Sleep Apnea—Veterans who suffer from sleep apnea may find that the condition aggravates or causes GERD.

Can you live long with GERD?

Chandra said that once a diagnosis of GERD has been established, it may become a lifelong condition that will need management. She added that it’s best to identify certain causes of your symptoms and learn to avoid or control their circumstances to alleviate or even prevent their symptoms.

Does GERD worsen with age?

There is no one clear age where heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) see a specific spike, but it’s a fact of life that heartburn does worsen as we get older.

What is first line treatment for GERD?

H2 receptor antagonists and H2 blocker therapy H2 receptor antagonists are the first-line agents for patients with mild to moderate symptoms and grades I-II esophagitis. Options include cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), and nizatidine (Axid).

Can GERD be psychological?

Various psychosocial factors, including chronic stress, emotional instability, abnormal acid reflux, and obesity, are associated with GERD manifestation and symptoms. In particular, emotional instability, including depression and anxiety, is associated with increased risk of GERD.

Can anxiety lead to GERD?

GERD may cause stress and anxiety, yet stress and anxiety levels also contribute to GERD. Finding both physical and psychological ways to treat these symptoms is vital to break the cycle and find relief. Other factors that can lead to acid reflux include: eating meals just before bed.

Why do I have so much acid reflux?

There’s something you should know…. Having too much stomach acid isn’t what causes acid reflux. One of the major causes is the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) not closing properly after a meal. If that happens, the stomach acids can make their way back up into your esophagus.1.

How often does gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ) occur?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. GERD is mild acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week,

What causes a narrowing of the esophagus for acid reflux?

Factors that can aggravate acid reflux include: Over time, chronic inflammation in your esophagus can cause: Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture). Damage to the lower esophagus from stomach acid causes scar tissue to form.

What to do if you have acid reflux?

The Foodicine Health website at www.foodicinehealth.org has diet tips for people with acid reflux and GERD as well as for other gastrointestinal disorders. 3. Don’t drink carbonated beverages They make you burp, which sends acid into the esophagus. Drink flat water instead of sparkling water. 4. Stay up after eating