Skip to content
Call Us Today! 212-533-4646 | MON-FRI 12PM - 4PM (EST)
DONATE
SUBSCRIBE
Search for:
About Us
UNWLA 100
Publications
FAQ
Annual Report 2023
Annual Report 2022
Annual Report 2021
Initiatives
Advocate
Educate
Cultivate
Care
News
Newsletters
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Join UNWLA
Become a Member
Volunteer With Us
Donate to UNWLA
Members Portal
Calendar
Shop to Support Ukraine
Search for:
Print
Print Page
Download
Download Page
Download Right Page
Open
1
2-3
4-5
6-7
8-9
10-11
12-13
14-15
16-17
18-19
20-21
22-23
24-25
26-27
28-29
30-31
32-33
34-35
36-37
38-39
40
Recognizing and Dealing with GERD by Ihor M agun, M.D., F.A.C.P. Heartburn is an extremely prevalent con dition in the United States. In fact, recent studies show that 25% of the population report monthly heartburn, 12% report weekly heartburn, and 5% report daily heartburn. While occasional symptoms of heartburn do not necessarily mean someone has GERD, chronic discomfort associated with heart burn (or assumed to be heartburn) can be warning signs. So what is GERD? The acronym stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, which occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (a type of valve present between the stomach and esophagus) does not close properly. This can cause stomach contents (acid included) to reflux (or back up) into the esophagus. The resulting acid contact produces a burning sensation that localizes in the chest and at times may be felt in the throat. GERD can affect any socioeconomic class, ethnic group, or age group (even children, especially those suffering from asthma). While it occurs mostly in people with heartburn, it also affects people who do not experience classic heartburn symptoms. For these individuals, GERD manifests itself as chronic dry cough, asthma-like symptoms, morning hoarseness, or a feeling that food is stuck in the throat. (This contrasts from ulcer pain, which is generally local ized in the abdominal area.) One unfortunate aspect of GERD is that it can be relapsing. Another is its economic impact—the annual direct cost for manag ing this disease is estimated to be more than 9 billion dollars. One major factor that contributes to GERD is a hiatal hernia, which is present when the upper part of the stomach is above the diaphragm, the muscle separating the stomach from the chest. Acid can come up easily and produce heartburn symp toms. Hiatal hernias, like GERD, can affect any age group. Other factors that contribute to GERD in clude obesity, pregnancy, alcohol use, and smok ing. Foods that produce symptoms include caf- feinated or carbonated beverages, spices, tomato products, mints, fat, citrus fruit juices, and chocolate. The diagnosis of GERD by a physician is confirmed by response to acid suppression the rapy. Management is focused on symptom relief; further testing and endoscopy (use of a flexible tube to visualize the esophagus and stomach) are in dicated if there is pain or difficulty swallowing, weight loss, bleeding, or if the condition is ac companied by anemia. Evaluation for H. Pylori (bacteria which plays a role in ulcer disease and possibly in patients with dyspepsia) is not necessary. The goal of treatment is to decrease gastro esophageal reflux. This can be achieved by lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes include weight loss, cessation of alcohol use and tobacco, avoiding or limiting the foods listed above from your diet, eating smaller meals, avoiding lying down for three hours after a meal, and raising the head of the bed six to eight inches by placing blocks under the headposts. Medications such as antacids are usually the first-line treatment choice. This is fol lowed by a class of medications called H2 blockers, such as Tagament, Pepcid, or Zantac (available in prescription and nonprescription forms). The current most potent treatment regimen is the proton pump inhibitor (PPI). One PPI, Prilosec OTC, is available without a prescription; all others must be prescribed by a physician. Though healing and symptom control with PPIs are excellent, these medications need to be taken for long periods of time. Fortunately, long-term use of PPIs is safe, and they are now a standard of care for certain cases of GERD. Note that the information in this article is the most current information available. Also be aware that all treatments, including combination treatment with two types of medication classes or even surgical intervention, must be individual ized. Consult with a physician to ascertain a proper diagnosis and follow up periodically, especially if problems occur. Видання C оюзу Українок A мерики - перевидано в електронному форматі в 2012 році . A рхів C У A - Ню Йорк , Н . Й . C Ш A.
Page load link
Go to Top
1 
2-3 
4-5 
6-7 
8-9 
10-11 
12-13 
14-15 
16-17 
18-19 
20-21 
22-23 
24-25 
26-27 
28-29 
30-31 
32-33 
34-35 
36-37 
38-39 
40 
