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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Chronic Acid Reflux — Evaluation, Lifestyle, and Acid Suppression

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

GERD results from inappropriate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter allowing acid reflux into the esophagus, often worsened by hiatal hernia and delayed gastric emptying.

Typical presentation includes heartburn and regurgitation; atypical features include chronic cough, laryngitis, asthma, and dental erosion.

Diagnosis is clinical; endoscopy is indicated for alarm symptoms (dysphagia, weight loss, bleeding, anemia) or in patients over 50 with new-onset reflux.

Complications include erosive esophagitis, peptic stricture, Barrett esophagus, and rarely esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Symptoms

Retrosternal burning (heartburn) after meals or when lying down
Acid or food regurgitation, waterbrash, and sour taste
Chronic nonproductive cough or nocturnal wheezing
Hoarseness, sore throat, and globus sensation
Dysphagia or odynophagia (alarm feature suggesting stricture or esophagitis)
Non-cardiac chest pain and sleep disturbance

Risk Factors

Obesity and central adiposity
Hiatal hernia and pregnancy
Smoking and excess alcohol intake
High-fat meals, chocolate, caffeine, peppermint, and late-night eating
Medications: calcium-channel blockers, nitrates, anticholinergics
Connective tissue disorders (scleroderma) and gastroparesis

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Heartburn at least twice weekly or symptoms interfering with sleep or daily activity
  • Alarm symptoms: dysphagia, odynophagia, weight loss, hematemesis, melena, anemia
  • Symptoms persisting despite 8 weeks of optimized proton-pump inhibitor therapy

Treatment Methods

01
Lifestyle: weight loss, head-of-bed elevation, avoid late meals, tobacco and alcohol cessation, trigger-food avoidance
02
Proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) once daily before breakfast for 8 weeks as first-line therapy
03
H2-receptor antagonists or alginate-antacid combinations for mild or breakthrough symptoms
04
Upper endoscopy for alarm features, refractory cases, or Barrett screening
05
Esophageal pH-impedance monitoring and manometry when PPI-refractory or before surgery
06
Anti-reflux surgery (Nissen fundoplication) or magnetic sphincter augmentation in selected patients with proven reflux

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.