Heartburn and GERD Diagnostic Test Explained

Gastroesophageal, Esophagitis, medications

Heartburn is a condition when you start to feel a burning pain in your chest, and it affects about 20% of the U.S. population. When heartburn starts to occur too often for an extended period of time, it becomes a reason to suspect GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

If you have been feeling this pain in your chest frequently, usually after meals, then you need to consult with a doctor about this pain. The tests that a doctor will conduct on you will start with a visual exam of your esophagus, known as an endoscopy.

An endoscopy will show whether the lining of your esophagus has been damaged by the acid that comes from your stomach. The problem with this situation is that if there is any damage and bleeding, you will have a hard time swallowing. This condition is known as Esophagitis, and will need to be treated as soon as possible so that it does not get worse. Treatment will mean trying to keep your Lower Esophageal sphincter (LES) from staying open.

This muscle is suppose to open to allow the food into the stomach area, and then close after. When it does not close, the acid that breaks down the food will rise back up and into the esophagus. This is what GERD is all about, and when it happens too often, the damage caused could lead to cancer of the esophagus.

Fortunately, if detected early, medication can be used to stop the damage from getting worse. It is usually an extreme case if surgery is recommended by the doctor. Some of the medications prescribed are antacids which are over the counter (OTC) drugs, although there are stronger drugs for longer and sustained relief.

Once the endoscopy confirms that there is a problem in the esophagus, the patient, aside from having to take medicine, will have to make a few vital changes in his lifestyle. This is not really an option because without these small changes, it is possible for the patient to continue to experience pain.

Some of the changes include avoiding food and drinks that are acidic like coffee and citrus products. Instead of eating large meals, it would be better to lessen the intake, as well as avoid eating or drinking anything 3 hours before sleeping.

Many GERD patients find that sleeping in an inclined position with the head elevated at least six inches above the stomach helps avoid the regurgitation. However, avoid the acute angle because this will put too much pressure on your stomach, and will promote acid reflux instead of discourage it.

Finally, heartburn and GERD is a condition that can be controlled. You may not be able to stop it from happening to you because of its nature, but at the very least, you can minimize the pain and damage it can potentially cause.