Acid Reflux from Infancy to Adulthood III: Adults
This is part 3 of a 3-part series on Acid Reflux.
See Part I: Your Baby and Acid Reflux
See Part II: Children and Teens
GER vs. GERD
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) is a normal physiological event characterized by the sensation of food coming up the esophagus in the form of a wet burp. Many adults have GER after eating a large meal, drinking a carbonated beverage or eating too fast.
GER symptoms may include:
o Sour taste in the mouth after a meal
o Sensation of food coming up the throat
o Burping
o Belching
o Fullness, bloating
On the other hand, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the abnormal backwashing of stomach contents and acid into the esophagus causing complications. GERD may cause esophagitis (irritation to the delicate lining of the esophagus), ulcers and respiratory issues.
GERD symptoms may include the symptoms of GER plus:
o Heartburn/chest pain
o Sore Throat
o Pain with swallowing
o Weight loss
o Poor sleep
o Heartburn after eating certain foods (spicy foods, high acid foods)
o Coughing or choking during and after a meal or at night
o Voice changes: deep voice, raspy voice, throat clearing
Many adults report occasional GER symptoms and worry that they have GERD. It is important to watch for signs that occasional acid reflux symptoms are becoming more frequent (every day or a few times each week) or causing pain, since occasional GER may very well progress to GERD over time.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a common condition in adults. It may seem that the symptoms creep up slowly at first with a bit of heartburn here and there and progress to very severe, painful heartburn. It may be disappointing to have discomfort with previously preferred foods that happen to be reflux triggers such as spicy food (pizza, tacos) and high acid foods (coffee, cola and orange juice). Adults may develop serious complications from GERD such as esophagitis, ulcers and Barrett's Esophagus.
For example, an adult friend of mine complained that her throat burned every time she ate salad with vinegar dressing. She tried avoiding eating foods with vinegar and the symptoms decreased. A few months later, she reported that other foods started to cause frequent episodes of painful swallowing and a sore throat. She reported the pattern of GER symptoms to her doctor and was diagnosed with GERD.
Treatments
Lifestyle:
o Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
o Avoid clothes that put pressure on the waist such as pants and pantyhose.
o Stop smoking.
o Avoid second hand smoke.
o Avoid physical activity after a meal.
o Sleep on an elevated surface so the head is higher than the body using extra pillows, a wedge or bed blocks.
o Reduce stress.
o Exercise to reduce stress and maintain a healthy weight.
o Lose weight if overweight.
Diet:
