What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common health problem that occurs when the valve between the esophagus and the stomach does not function properly, causing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. This disease manifests with symptoms such as painful burning sensation in the chest, vomiting, abdominal pain, coughing, difficulty swallowing solid foods, hoarseness, belching, bloating, aspiration (fluid entering the lungs), wheezing, and a lump-in-the-throat sensation. If you experience these symptoms, you should definitely consult your doctor.

Other Symptoms of GERD

GERD does not only affect the stomach and esophagus; it can also cause complaints such as voice disorders, voice cracking, a constant need to clear the throat, chest pain, choking sensation, postnasal drip, narrowing of the larynx and esophagus, laryngospasm, and contact ulcers.

Can the Lungs Be Affected?

Some GERD patients may also develop pulmonary symptoms. Frequent coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing can be seen in these patients. These patients may often be treated for conditions such as asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic bronchitis, but if the underlying problem of reflux is not treated, these symptoms may not improve. If you experience these symptoms, you should consult your doctor.

What Is the Difference Between Normal Reflux and Disease Reflux?

GERD can sometimes occur as a normal physiological event. To determine the difference between normal reflux and pathological reflux, the amount of time the esophagus is exposed to stomach acid, the presence of symptoms, and mucosal damage in the esophagus should be considered. This distinction can be made by your doctor.

How Is GERD Treated?

In GERD patients whose quality of life is negatively affected despite medical treatments, antireflux surgery may be considered. This surgical method can be performed using open or closed (laparoscopic) techniques. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery reduces morbidity, hospital stay duration, and cost compared to open surgery. However, this complex surgery should be performed by experienced and skilled surgeons.

If complications occur after antireflux surgery, such as the recurrence of reflux disease or swallowing problems, surgical intervention may be required again. The primary goal of this surgery is to prevent the stomach contents from escaping into the esophagus.

Conclusion

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common health problem caused by the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, presenting with various symptoms. If you experience these symptoms, you should consult your doctor to evaluate the necessary treatment options. When medical methods are ineffective in treating GERD, antireflux surgery may be a significant treatment option.