Understanding the Complexities of GERD
“The increase in GERD has grown in just a short period of time,” stated Dr. Ronald Mensh, a gastroenterologist at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC).
“If you are experiencing the symptoms of GERD two or three times a week for most weeks,” he added, “do not ignore them. See your health care provider. The disease is treatable. Left untreated, GERD can lead to more serious conditions such as Barrett’s Esophagus or cancer.”
Your esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. There is a muscle at the end by your stomach that opens and closes like a valve to let food into the stomach and keep it there. GERD happens when the muscle does not close properly. This allows stomach contents (food and stomach acid) to leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus and irritate it.
“When reflux occurs continually, the tissue in the lining of the esophagus begins to change,” said Dr. Mensh.
“While certain foods may aggravate the symptoms of GERD such as heartburn and indigestion, the tissue in the esophagus may be damaged by the reflux of stomach acid at night. That tissue change can be precancerous in nature.”
Dr Mensh continued, “There are, however, steps you can take and treatments available to monitor and treat GERD. For example, losing weight and reducing your intake of coffee are two of the best ways to help alleviate the symptoms of the disease.”
People of any age can have GERD, including infants and children. The causes of the disease are still uncertain, but being overweight and eating a high-fat diet are closely associated with GERD.
“Cancer of the lower esophagus has increased more than any other cancer over the last 10 years,” added Dr. Mensh. “It’s important that you recognize your symptoms and don’t try to treat them yourself by constantly taking over-the-counter medicines for heartburn and indigestion.”
To make an appointment with Dr. Mensh and find out more about GERD, call (802) 447-1536.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
