The nurse explains to the patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease that this disorder:
Favorite Organizations for Essential GERD InformationAbout GERD Show
The official website for the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, About GERD is a nonprofit patient support organization that offers a wealth of resources for people living with functional gastrointestinal (GI) and motility disorders. The website has information on symptoms of GERD and other GI conditions and treatment options. Plus, there are monthly Twitter chats. Find out information about each month’s chat on the foundation’s blog. American Gastroenterological Association This organization provides information for doctors, researchers, patient educators, and patients on GI disorders, including GERD. The site also includes a patient center, with information prepared by specialists and reviewed by a patient adviser to ensure it’s understandable by a general audience. Don’t miss the animated video on YouTube on preventing GERD during the holidays. (It’s actually useful for anytime you might not be in control of your menu.) American College of Gastroenterology The American College of Gastroenterology is a professional association of gastroenterologists and GI professionals. The site is a main resource for doctors and professionals, but it also has a patient section with facts and information for various GI conditions, including a search option for finding a gastroenterologist in your area. Favorite Online Resources on GERDMayo Clinic This great resource lets you know what tests to expect for a GERD diagnosis, what treatments your doctor might suggest, and even a couple of herbs to try — in addition to your doctor’s treatment regimen — to help relieve your symptoms. You can also look for a doctor in your area in the "Find a Doctor" section on the main page. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases This institute is a division of the National Institutes of Health and is funded by the federal government to research treatments for many diseases, including GERD. In addition to vetted basic information on the condition and treatment, the site offers information on how to participate in clinical trials, which you may want to discuss with your doctor. Lifestyle Guidelines for the Treatment of GERDCleveland Clinic This resource indicates foods to avoid as well as choices from certain categories less likely to produce symptoms. Example: Nonfat or fat-free sour cream and cream cheese get a thumbs-up; the full-fat versions get a thumbs-down. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has a great page illustrating how GERD occurs to help you better understand the condition. The site also provides dietary tips on foods to avoid and other ways to reduce triggers. Favorite Blogs About GERDGastroenterology Associates This blog, hosted by a gastroenterology practice, has basic information on GERD diagnosis and treatment. Topics include lifestyle changes, medication, and procedures to treat the condition. Gabby Motivational speaker, life coach, and author Gabrielle Bernstein’s website is packed with information about how to lead a healthy life. Her blog covers topics from meditation to healthy eating, including her personal experience with GERD and gut inflammation. Additional reporting byMark Henricks. What is GERD?GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a digestive disorder. It's caused when gastric acid from your stomach flows back up into your food pipe (esophagus). Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. What causes GERD?GERD happens when gastric acid from your stomach backs up into your food pipe (esophagus). A muscle at the bottom of the esophagus opens to let food from the bottom of the esophagus into the stomach. And it closes to keep food in the stomach. This muscle is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When your LES relaxes too often or for too long, acid backs up into your esophagus. This causes heartburn and may cause damage. Some lifestyle issues that can cause GERD may include:
Some health problems that may cause heartburn, or make it more likely, may include:
Who is at risk for GERD?You may be more at risk for GERD if you:
What are the symptoms of GERD?Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, or acid reflux, is the most common symptom of GERD. Heartburn is a burning chest pain that starts behind your breastbone and moves up to your neck and throat. It can last as long as 2 hours. It often feels worse after you eat. Lying down or bending over can also cause heartburn. Another common symptom of GERD is bringing swallowed food up again to the mouth (regurgitation). Some people can have trouble swallowing. Heartburn is not a GERD symptom for most children younger than 12 years old, and for some adults. They may have a dry cough, asthma symptoms, or trouble swallowing instead. Each person’s symptoms may vary. GERD symptoms can be caused by other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure. How is GERD diagnosed?To see if you have GERD, your healthcare provider will give you a physical exam and ask about your past health. Some people with typical symptoms may be treated without more testing. Other tests for GERD may include:
How is GERD treated?Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. In many cases making diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce GERD symptoms. Always check with your healthcare provider before making any changes. If you have GERD, be careful about what you eat and drink. Don’t have too much of these:
You should also:
Check any medicines you are taking. Some may cause problems with the lining of your stomach or esophagus. You may also want to talk with your healthcare provider about:
What are possible complications of GERD?If GERD is not treated, it can lead to other health problems. These may include:
What can I do to prevent GERD?Some of the same diet and lifestyle changes that are used to treat GERD can also help to prevent it. Living with GERDYour healthcare provider will give you advice on how to manage your GERD symptoms. In most cases you will need to make some diet and lifestyle changes so that GERD pain won’t get in the way of your normal activities. When should I call my healthcare provider?Call your healthcare provider if:
Call 911Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if any of these occur:
Key points about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
How do you explain gastroesophageal reflux disease?Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid repeatedly 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.
Which instruction should be discussed with the client diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD )?Instruct to remain in upright position at least 2 hours after meals; avoiding eating 3 hours before bedtime. Helps control reflux and causes less irritation from reflux action into esophagus. Instruct patient to eat slowly and masticate foods well. Helps prevent reflux.
What are the complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease?When left untreated, GERD (or acid reflux) can lead to complications, including:. Adult onset asthma.. Esophagitis (Inflammation, irritation, or swelling of the esophagus). Stricture (Narrowing of the esophagus). Barrett's Esophagus (Pre-cancerous changes to the esophagus). Regurgitation of acid into the lungs.. Sinusitis.. What are common clinical findings associated with the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease?Findings include erosions and ulcerations, strictures, hiatal hernia, thickening of mucosal folds and poor distensibility. Only a minority of patients with documented abnormal pH have radiographically evident esophagitis. Consequently, a radiographic study is not the test of choice for the diagnosis of GERD.
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