Barrett esophagus is considered to be the primary risk factor for esophageal cancer although not everyone with the condition develops cancer. ![]() In about 10-20% of cases of GERD, damage to the esophagus from stomach acid becomes a condition called Barrett esophagus. These include inflammation and ulcers of the esophagus, scar tissue that narrows the esophagus, spasms affecting the airway, chronic cough, damage to teeth, and exacerbated asthma symptoms. What Are the Health Consequences of GERD?Ĭhronic reflux and GERD can cause serious complications. The problem may be even greater if a person goes to bed soon after eating and/or eats foods that trigger GERD. ![]() Saliva can help neutralize stomach acid, but production of saliva is reduced during deeper stages of sleep.Ī combination of these effects can facilitate the leakage of stomach acid into the esophagus and allow the acid to remain in place for longer, potentially causing more severe GERD symptoms, including those that can disturb sleep.Decreased swallowing during sleep reduces an important force that pushes stomach acid downward.When lying down, gravity no longer helps keep stomach acid down, making it easier for reflux to occur.There are several explanations for why GERD is commonly worse at night after going to bed: This symptom is frequently associated with nighttime awakenings for people with GERD. On top of the discomfort from heartburn, GERD can cause radiating chest pain that can affect the neck, back, jaw, or arms and last for minutes to hours. Some patients experience difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, or the feeling of something blocking their throat. It may cause a sore throat, including a hoarse voice. When leaks of stomach acid rise to the mouth and throat, it can cause coughing and a feeling of choking. Heartburn, which involves a painful burning sensation in the chest, is the most common symptom of GERD, but not all cases of GERD involve heartburn.Īnother common symptom of GERD is regurgitation, which means a small amount of stomach acid and sometimes bits of food come up into the mouth or back of the throat. While it is usually thought of as affecting adults, it can occur in infants and children as well. Virtually everyone experiences reflux from time to time, but for most people, it is mild, infrequent, and goes away quickly on its own.įor people with GERD, on the other hand, acid reflux typically happens at least once per week and often involves more severe and bothersome symptoms. Under normal circumstances, muscles at the bottom of the esophagus - known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) - act as a barrier to prevent this from happening, but if those muscles are weak or relaxed and don’t close all the way, then reflux can occur. GERD is a condition marked by repeated episodes of reflux that affect quality of life.Īcid reflux, also known as acid indigestion, happens when stomach acid moves up from the stomach and into the esophagus. Because many people find GERD to be worse around bedtime, focusing on how to sleep with GERD may help reduce symptoms and improve sleep. ![]() Understanding GERD, including its symptoms, causes, and treatments can help people with this condition manage it more effectively. In addition to having troubling immediate symptoms, GERD can over time cause significant damage to the esophagus and raise a person’s risk of esophageal cancer. Beyond just heartburn, if stomach acid backs up as far as the throat and larynx, a sleeper may wake up coughing and choking or with major chest pain. Most patients with GERD experience an increase in the severity of symptoms, including heartburn, while sleeping or attempting to sleep. ![]() GERD is estimated to affect 20% of adults in the United States. Occasional episodes of reflux are normal, but when they occur regularly, they can have serious consequences and are known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, describes a backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |