Understanding GERD: Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis

By:

Apex Hospitals Doctor

Apex Hospitals

10-07-2025

Apex hospital Blogs

Understanding GERD: Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis

    Do you frequently experience a burning sensation in your chest? This could be acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus (food pipe). While occasional acid reflux or heartburn is common, having these symptoms more than twice a week may indicate Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)—a chronic condition affecting 20–30% of India’s population. If left untreated, GERD can lead to serious complications. This article explains GERD’s symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

    GERD is a chronic digestive disorder where stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, irritating its lining. This backflow happens when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES)—a muscular ring separating the stomach from the oesophagus—weakens or relaxes abnormally. While occasional reflux is normal, GERD is diagnosed when symptoms occur twice a week or more.

    Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent heartburn (burning sensation from the stomach to chest or throat)
  • Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
  • Regurgitation of food or liquids

Symptoms of GERD

    Primary symptoms:

  • Burning sensation rising from the stomach to chest and throat
  • Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
  • Regurgitation of stomach contents

    Other symptoms:

  • Feeling of a lump in the throat (Globus sensation)
  • Chronic cough
  • Hoarseness or voice changes
  • Bad breath despite oral hygiene

    Alarm symptoms (require immediate attention):

  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Anaemia
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding (black or bloody stools)

    Triggers and aggravators:

  • Nighttime symptoms (especially when lying down)
  • Large or fatty meals
  • Bending over after eating
  • Smoking and alcohol use

Causes of GERD

    GERD is caused when the LES weakens, allowing acid to reflux into the oesophagus. Factors include:

    Anatomical and physical factors:

  • Hiatal hernia – stomach pushes through diaphragm
  • Overeating – reduces LES pressure
  • Lying down after meals

    Lifestyle factors:

  • Smoking or second-hand smoke
  • Frequent NSAID use (aspirin, ibuprofen)
  • Alcohol consumption

    Health conditions:

  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Aging
  • Anxiety, asthma, and IBS

    Dietary triggers:

  • Fried and fatty foods
  • Spicy or acidic items (tomatoes, citrus, pineapple)
  • Chocolate, peppermint
  • Tea, coffee, carbonated drinks

Diagnosis of GERD

    Your doctor may recommend the following tests:

    1. Ambulatory 24-hour pH Monitoring

    A small tube with a pH sensor is inserted through the nose to monitor acid exposure.

    2. Esophagram (Barium Swallow)

    X-rays of the upper digestive tract after drinking a barium liquid.

    3. Upper Endoscopy

    A camera-enabled tube checks for inflammation, ulcers, or strictures.

    4. Esophageal Manometry

    Measures the movement and strength of oesophageal muscles.

    5. Esophageal pH Monitoring (Wireless)

    A monitor records acid exposure over several days.

    Diagnosis helps determine the right treatment plan.

Treatment of GERD

    Lifestyle strategies:

  • Breathing exercises to reduce stress
  • Low-acid diet with fruits, vegetables, and lean protein
  • Weight management
  • Quit smoking
  • Avoid large meals before bed
  • Elevate head while sleeping

    Medications:

  • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – reduce acid production
  • H2 Receptor Blockers – decrease acid production
  • Antacids – provide quick relief

    Consult a doctor before starting medications.

    Surgical and endoscopic options:

  • Fundoplication – stomach is wrapped around LES to strengthen it
  • Endoscopic sewing – stitches reinforce LES
  • Radiofrequency ablation – controlled heat tightens LES muscle

GERD and Quality of Life

    Frequent acid reflux can disturb sleep, impact daily life, and lead to complications like:

  • Esophagitis
  • Esophageal ulcers
  • Strictures
  • Barrett’s oesophagus
  • Esophageal cancer

    Consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

    Book your consultation: https://www.apexhospitals.com/book/book-an-appointment

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