GERD Awareness Week: 4 Things You Didn’t Know About GERD

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GERD Awareness Week takes place annually during the week of Thanksgiving, and it’s a time that’s near and dear to our hearts. We see thousands of patients each year who struggle with chronic reflux and other symptoms related to their GERD, and for many of these patients the disease impacts many aspects of their lives in a negative way.

Despite its prevalence, there’s so much that people don’t know about GERD. In preparation of GERD Awareness Week, we’d like to help educate patients about the condition by explaining what GERD is and highlighting several surprising things many people don’t know about the condition.

What Is GERD?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic disorder that affects your digestive system. It is caused by your lower esophageal sphincter (that ring of muscle between your esophagus and your stomach) being either too loose or too short. When working correctly, this muscle opens to allow food and liquid to pass through to the stomach. When it fails, it opens and allows stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Acid can damage the esophagus and cause uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, a sore throat, and even coughing.

Some Surprising Facts About GERD

GERD affects millions of Americans, but many people have never heard of the condition and don’t know much about the specific details surrounding GERD. Here are some surprising facts about GERD that you probably didn’t know:

1) Anyone Can Get GERD

Did you know that anyone can get GERD, even babies and young children? GERD does not discriminate. A person of any age, race, or ethnicity can suffer from GERD. However, there are some things put you at higher risk of GERD, such as:

Being overweight.
Pregnancy.
Some medications can cause GERD.
Smoking.

2) Certain Foods Can Trigger GERD

Anyone with stomach issues knows eating can be a tricky minefield. For patient with GERD in particular, though, certain foods are known to cause flareups and may lead to painful symptoms like heartburn or acid reflux. Triggers can vary from patient to patient, but in general some of the foods and drinks that are difficult for patients with GERD to consume are:

Coffee.
Chocolate.
Citrus.
Fried or fatty foods.
Carbonated Drinks.
Alcohol.

3) Surgery Is The Only Way to Cure GERD

Although you can manage your symptoms with over the counter or prescription medications, the only surefire cure for GERD is anti-reflux surgery. There are a few different options, including a minimally invasive option called the LINX System. Other options include the Nissen Fundoplication and TIF/Esophyx procedures.

4) Esophagus Spasms Are One Of The Symptoms Of GERD

Esophageal spasms occur in many patients with GERD, along with several of the other more common and easily recognizable GERD symptoms like:

Burping.
Difficulty swallowing.
Nausea and vomiting.
Respiratory problems.
Abdominal pain.
Asthma.
Sleep issues.
Bloating.
Tooth erosion and bad breath.

GERD Treatment In Tampa

Left untreated, GERD can lead to other serious complications. If you are in search of a GERD doctor in Tampa, you are in luck. Tampa Bay Reflux Center specializes in revolutionary, modern surgeries that fix GERD and can help you get your life back on track! Schedule an appointment with one of our GERD specialists today.