Gastrointestinal (GI) health is an important aspect of overall well-being, yet it's often overlooked until symptoms become hard to ignore. Among the common GI issues is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), conditions that affect many people at some point in their lives. Understanding the nuances between them, how they can be diagnosed, and identifying their causes is essential in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
GERD is a chronic, more severe form of acid reflux. GERD is a condition that develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications. GERD can lead to more serious health issues, including esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and even esophageal cancer if left untreated.
How can I tell apart Acid Reflux from GERD?
It is common to mistake GERD for a case of acid reflux, which also affects many people. While the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD can overlap, the frequency and severity of these symptoms often help distinguish between the two conditions. For both conditions, you may experience heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest, usually after eating which may worsen at night), regurgitation (a sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your throat or mouth), difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, laryngitis and disrupted sleep.
Symptoms of GERD are similar but occur more frequently and may also include worsening symptoms that affect your quality of life, such as severe chest pain, choking, or significant weight loss.
How to diagnose GERD?
Diagnosing these conditions typically starts with a review of your medical history and a physical examination. Further tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. These tests can include:
Gastroscopy: A doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera to examine the inside of your esophagus and stomach.
pH monitoring: This test measures the acidity in your esophagus and can help determine if your symptoms are related to acid reflux.
Esophageal manometry: This test measures the rhythmic muscle contractions in your esophagus when you swallow.
Barium swallow: After drinking a barium solution, X-ray imaging is used to visualize your digestive tract.
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