Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD),gastric reflux disease, or acid reflux disease is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosaldamage produced by the abnormal reflux of stomach acid to the esophagus.A typical symptom is heartburn.
This is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. This can be due to incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, impaired expulsion of gastric reflux from the esophagus, or a hiatal hernia.
A different type of acid reflux which produces respiratory and laryngeal manifestations islaryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), also called extraesophageal reflux disease (EERD). Unlike GERD, LPR is unlikely to produce heartburn, and is thus sometimes called silent reflux.
This is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. This can be due to incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, impaired expulsion of gastric reflux from the esophagus, or a hiatal hernia.
A different type of acid reflux which produces respiratory and laryngeal manifestations islaryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), also called extraesophageal reflux disease (EERD). Unlike GERD, LPR is unlikely to produce heartburn, and is thus sometimes called silent reflux.
Signs and symptoms
AdultsThe most-common symptoms of GERD are:
GERD sometimes causes injury of the esophagus. These injuries may include:
These symptoms are:
ChildrenGERD may be difficult to detect in infants and children. Symptoms may vary from typical adult symptoms. GERD in children may cause repeated vomiting, effortless spitting up, coughing, and other respiratory problems. Inconsolable crying, failure to gain adequate weight, refusing food, bad breath, and belching or burping are also common. Children may have one symptom or many — no single symptom is universal in all children with GERD.
Common symptoms of Pediatric Reflux
Possetting after a feed is quite normal with most infants. They gain weight, feed well and have no other symptoms, but still this can be upsetting for parents. As the child gets older the lower oesophageal sphincter becomes more competent so the vomiting should begin to show signs of improvement and eventually stop. Some babies suffer more with reflux and about 60% of these babies with persistent reflux may have weight gain issues. It is a very popular misconception though that all babies and children with reflux are underweight. This isn't always the case, some may comfort eat and feed very frequently and not all are sick. Many doctors advise that babies outgrow reflux once they can sit up, or once they stand. Many do, but some will not only fail to outgrow it, but will noticeably worsen with developmental milestones, teething episodes, viral illness and weaning.
Silent Reflux
Some babies with reflux do not vomit at all. This is actually more of a problem because the acidic stomach contents go up the throat and back down again, causing twice the pain and twice the damage.There is no clear relationship between symptoms and the severity of reflux.
It is estimated that of the approximately 4 million babies born in the U.S. each year, up to 35% of them may have difficulties with reflux in the first few months of their life, known as spitting up.Most of those children will outgrow their reflux by their first birthday. However, a small but significant number of them will not outgrow the condition. This is particularly true where there is a family history of GERD present.
Barrett's esophagus
GERD may lead to Barrett's esophagus, a type of intestinal metaplasia which is in turn a precursor condition for carcinoma. The risk of progression from Barrett's to dysplasia is uncertain but is estimated at about 20% of cases. Due to the risk of chronic heartburn progressing to Barrett's, EGD every 5 years is recommended for patients with chronic heartburn, or who take drugs for chronic GERD.
AdultsThe most-common symptoms of GERD are:
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
- Pain with swallowing (odynophagia)
- Excessive salivation (also known as water brash) is common during heartburn, as saliva is generally slightly alkaline and is the body's natural response to heartburn, acting similarly to an antacid)
- Nausea
- Chest pain
GERD sometimes causes injury of the esophagus. These injuries may include:
- Reflux esophagitis—necrosis of esophageal epithelium causing ulcers near the junction of the stomach and esophagus.
- Esophageal strictures—the persistent narrowing of the esophagus caused by reflux-induced inflammation.
- Barrett's esophagus— intestinal metaplasia (changes of the epithelial cells from squamous to intestinal columnar epithelium) of the distal esophagus .
- Esophageal adenocarcinoma—a rare form of cancer.
These symptoms are:
- Chronic cough
- Laryngitis (hoarseness, throat clearing)
- Asthma
- Erosion of dental enamel
- Dentine hypersensitivity
- Sinusitis and damaged teeth
ChildrenGERD may be difficult to detect in infants and children. Symptoms may vary from typical adult symptoms. GERD in children may cause repeated vomiting, effortless spitting up, coughing, and other respiratory problems. Inconsolable crying, failure to gain adequate weight, refusing food, bad breath, and belching or burping are also common. Children may have one symptom or many — no single symptom is universal in all children with GERD.
Common symptoms of Pediatric Reflux
- Irritability and pain, sometimes screaming suddenly when asleep. Constant or sudden crying or colic-like symptoms. Babies can be inconsolable especially when laid down flat.
- Poor sleep habits typically with arching their necks and back during or after feeding
- Excessive possetting or vomiting
- Frequent burping or frequent hiccups
- Excessive dribbling or running nose
- Swallowing problems, gagging and choking
- Frequent ear infections or sinus congestion
- Babies are often very gassy and extremely difficult to “burp” after feeds
- Refusing feeds or frequent feeds for comfort
- Night time coughing, extreme cases of acid reflux can cause apnoea and respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia if stomach contents are inhaled.
- Bad breath – smelling acidy
- Rancid/acid smelling diapers with loose stool. Bowel movements can be very frequent or babies can be constipated.
- Vomiting feeds
Possetting after a feed is quite normal with most infants. They gain weight, feed well and have no other symptoms, but still this can be upsetting for parents. As the child gets older the lower oesophageal sphincter becomes more competent so the vomiting should begin to show signs of improvement and eventually stop. Some babies suffer more with reflux and about 60% of these babies with persistent reflux may have weight gain issues. It is a very popular misconception though that all babies and children with reflux are underweight. This isn't always the case, some may comfort eat and feed very frequently and not all are sick. Many doctors advise that babies outgrow reflux once they can sit up, or once they stand. Many do, but some will not only fail to outgrow it, but will noticeably worsen with developmental milestones, teething episodes, viral illness and weaning.
Silent Reflux
Some babies with reflux do not vomit at all. This is actually more of a problem because the acidic stomach contents go up the throat and back down again, causing twice the pain and twice the damage.There is no clear relationship between symptoms and the severity of reflux.
It is estimated that of the approximately 4 million babies born in the U.S. each year, up to 35% of them may have difficulties with reflux in the first few months of their life, known as spitting up.Most of those children will outgrow their reflux by their first birthday. However, a small but significant number of them will not outgrow the condition. This is particularly true where there is a family history of GERD present.
Barrett's esophagus
GERD may lead to Barrett's esophagus, a type of intestinal metaplasia which is in turn a precursor condition for carcinoma. The risk of progression from Barrett's to dysplasia is uncertain but is estimated at about 20% of cases. Due to the risk of chronic heartburn progressing to Barrett's, EGD every 5 years is recommended for patients with chronic heartburn, or who take drugs for chronic GERD.
Prevention
Relief is often found by raising the head of the bed, raising the upper body with pillows, or sleeping sitting up. Avoid pillows that raise the head only, as this does little for heartburn and places continuous strain on the neck. Eating a big meal causes excess stomach acid production, and attacks can be minimized by eating small frequent meals instead of large meals, especially for dinner. To minimize attacks, a sufferer may benefit from avoiding foods that may trigger their symptoms. These may include acidic fruit or juice, fatty foods, pretzels, coffee, tea, onions, peppermint, chocolate, or highly spiced foods, especially shortly before bedtime. While there are clearly other health-related benefits associated with dietary interventions, a zealousrecommendation for dietary restrictions is not evidence-based, and there is stronger support for reducing the symptoms of acid reflux found in behavioral changes such as eating less and elevating one's head while sleeping. Tight clothing around the abdomen can also increase the risk of heartburn because it puts pressure on the stomach, which can cause the food and acids in the stomach to reflux to the lower esophageal sphincter.
TreatmentRelief is often found by raising the head of the bed, raising the upper body with pillows, or sleeping sitting up. Avoid pillows that raise the head only, as this does little for heartburn and places continuous strain on the neck. Eating a big meal causes excess stomach acid production, and attacks can be minimized by eating small frequent meals instead of large meals, especially for dinner. To minimize attacks, a sufferer may benefit from avoiding foods that may trigger their symptoms. These may include acidic fruit or juice, fatty foods, pretzels, coffee, tea, onions, peppermint, chocolate, or highly spiced foods, especially shortly before bedtime. While there are clearly other health-related benefits associated with dietary interventions, a zealousrecommendation for dietary restrictions is not evidence-based, and there is stronger support for reducing the symptoms of acid reflux found in behavioral changes such as eating less and elevating one's head while sleeping. Tight clothing around the abdomen can also increase the risk of heartburn because it puts pressure on the stomach, which can cause the food and acids in the stomach to reflux to the lower esophageal sphincter.
Three types of treatments exist for GERD. These include lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgery.
Lifestyle modifications
DietCertain foods and lifestyle are considered to promote gastroesophageal reflux, but a 2006 review suggested that evidence for most dietary interventions is anecdotal; only weight loss and elevating the head of the bed were supported by evidence. A subsequent randomizedcrossover study showed benefit by avoiding eating two hours before bedtime.
The following may exacerbate the symptoms of GERD:
Antacids based on calcium carbonate (but not aluminum hydroxide) were found to actually increase the acidity of the stomach. However, all antacids reduced acidity in the lower esophagus, so the net effect on GERD symptoms may still be positive.
Smoking reduces lower esophageal sphincter competence.
Position
Sleeping on the left side has been shown to reduce nighttime reflux episodes in patients.
A meta-analysis suggested that elevating the head of the bed is an effective therapy, although this conclusion was only supported by nonrandomized studies. The head of the bed can be elevated by plastic or wooden bed risers that support bed posts or legs, a therapeutic bed wedge pillow, a wedge or an inflatable mattress lifter that fits in between mattress and box spring or a hospital bed with an elevate feature. The height of the elevation is critical and must be at least 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) to be at least minimally effective to prevent the backflow of gastric fluids. Some innerspring mattresses do not work well when inclined and may cause back pain; some prefer foam mattresses. Some practitioners use higher degrees of incline than provided by the commonly suggested 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) and claim greater success.
Medications
A number of drugs are approved to treat GERD, and are among the most prescribed medication in Western countries.
Proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole, and rabeprazole) are the most effective in reducing gastric acid secretion. These drugs stop acid secretion at the source of acid production, i.e., the proton pump.
Gastric H2 receptor blockers (such as ranitidine, famotidine and cimetidine) can reduce gastric secretion of acid. These drugs are technically antihistamines. They relieve complaints in about 50% of all GERD patients. Compared to placebo (which also is associated with symptom improvement), they have a number needed to treat (NNT) of eight (8).
Antacids before meals or symptomatically after symptoms begin can reduce gastric acidity (increase pH).
Alginic acid (Gaviscon) may coat the mucosa as well as increase pH and decrease reflux. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialssuggests alginic acid may be the most effective of non-prescription treatments with a NNT of four.
Prokinetics strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and speed up gastric emptying. Cisapride, a member of this class, was withdrawn from the market for causing long QT syndrome. Reglan (metoclopramide) is a prokinetic with a better side-effect profile.
Sucralfate (Carafate) is also useful as an adjunct in helping to heal and prevent esophageal damage caused by GERD, however it must be taken several times daily and at least two (2) hours apart from meals and medications.
Mosapride citrate is a 5-HT4 receptor agonist used outside the United States largely as a therapy for GERD and dyspepsia.[26]
Clinical trials which compare GERD treatments head-to-head provide physicians with critical information. Unfortunately most pharmaceutical-company sponsored studies are conducted versus placebo and not an active control. However, the DIAMOND has shown rough equivalence of efficacy between a "step-up" approach to therapy (antacids, followed by histamine antagonists, followed by PPIs) and a "step-down" approach (the reverse). The primary endpoint of the study was treatment success after 6 months, and was achieved for 70% of patients in "step-down" versus 72% of patients in "step-up."
Surgery
The standard surgical treatment is the Nissen fundoplication. In this procedure the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to strengthen the sphincter and prevent acid reflux and to repair a hiatal hernia. The procedure is often donelaparoscopically. When compared to medical management laparoscopic fundoplication had better results at 1 year. In addition, laparoscopic fundoplication may reduce SF-36 score (quality of life questionnaire) among patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease as compared to medical management according to a Cochrane systematic review of randomized controlled trials. There were statistically significant improvements in quality of life at 3 months and 1 year after surgery compared to medical therapy, with an SF-36 general health score mean difference of -5.23 in favor of surgery (95%CI = -6.83 to -6.82).
An obsolete treatment is vagotomy ("highly selective vagotomy"), the surgical removal of vagus nerve branches that innervate the stomach lining. This treatment has been largely replaced by medication.
Another treatment is transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) with the use of a device called Esophyx, which allows doctors to rebuild the valve between the stomach and the diaphragm by going through the esophagus.
Other treatments
In 2000 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two endoscopic devices to treat chronic heartburn. One system, Endocinch, puts stitches in the LES to create little pleats that help strengthen the muscle. However, long-term results were disappointing, and the device is no longer sold by Bard. Another, the Stretta Procedure, uses electrodes to apply radio frequency energy to the LES. The long-term outcomes of both procedures compared to a Nissen fundoplication are still being determined.
Subsequently the NDO Surgical Plicator was cleared by the FDA for endoscopic GERD treatment. The Plicator creates a plication, or fold, of tissue near the gastroesophageal junction, and fixates the plication with a suture-based implant. The company ceased operations in mid 2008, and the device is no longer on the market.
Another treatment that involved injection of a solution during endoscopy into the lower esophageal wall was available for about one year ending in late 2005. It was marketed under the name Enteryx. It was removed from the market due to several reports of complications from misplaced injections.
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