Gastroesophageal

Reflux Disease (GERD)

Presented By: Taylor
 Transmission/Casuses
• How does a person get this disorder?

• by frequent acid reflux — the backup of

stomach acid or bile into the esophagus.
When you swallow, the lower esophageal
sphincter — a circular band of muscle around
the bottom part of your esophagus — relaxes
to allow food and liquid to flow down into your
stomach. Then it closes again.
 Signs/Symptoms
• What does this disorder look like?

• Symptoms include: burning pain in the chest

that usually occurs after eating and worsens
when lying down.

• belching, heartburn, nausea, or regurgitation

• Also common: bitter taste, discomfort in

upper abdomen, or dry cough
 Diagnosis
• What kinds of tests are needed? (Describe them)

• The three main tests used when GERD is

suspected or known are esophageal pH
monitoring, endoscopy, and manometry. With
pH monitoring, the doctor measures the
amount of acid in the esophagus over a 24-48
hour period. This test is used mainly to rule out
GERD if symptoms are not typical for acid
reflux.
 Prognosis
• What can a person expect once once being diagnosed?

• In some cases, patients with GERD are able to heal completely without further
flare-ups or complications with an effective treatment plan. ... The earlier
treatment begins, the easier it is to prevent GERD from developing into a more
serious condition

• Is it fatal?

• Some people develop Barrett's esophagus, in which cells in the esophageal

lining acquire an abnormal shape and color. These cells can eventually lead to
esophageal cancer, which is often fatal. Individuals with GERD and its
complications should be monitored closely by a physician.

• How long will the person have the disorder?

• moderate-to-severe GERD is treated continuously for 6 to 12 weeks, sometimes

even longer.
 Treatment
• How is the disorder treated?

• Self-Care:

• Elevate head of bed, Dietary modification,

and Weight loss

• Medications:

• Antacids, Pronton-Pump inhibitor, and

Diarrhea medication
 Prevention/Cure
• Is this disorder curable?

• No, there is not one acid reflux cure. Once the LES is damaged, its function cannot return. It’s considered a
lifetime disease. Therefore, treatment options take two approaches. The first is to live with the bad valve and do
what can be done to relieve symptoms. The second is to restore the function of the valve by a surgical approach,
even though the LES itself cannot be repaired.

• Can it be prevented entirely?

• Lose weight. Obesity is the leading cause of GERD, (Dr. Vaezi says.)

• Avoid foods known to cause reflux. If you're at risk for GERD, avoid: …

• Eat smaller meals. …

• Don't lie down after eating

• Elevate your bed

• Review your medications

• Quit smoking

• Cut back on alcohol

• Etc.
 Additional Information
• According to the Healthcare Cost
and Utilization Project, there were
995,402 hospitalizations for GERD
in 1998. In 2005, there were
3,141,965, an increase of 216
percent. In both years,
approximately 62 percent of all
GERD hospital discharges
involved women. The same study
showed that the number of adults
hospitalized for GERD decreased
by 2.4 percent between 1998 and
2005. During the same period, the
rate increased by 42 percent for
babies. It increased by 84 percent
for children aged two to 17.