GERD

GERD stands for Gastro esophageal reflux disease. GERD describes the movement of acidic stomach contents “backwards” from the stomach to the esophagus. The stomach produces acid to help in digestion of food particles. In GERD the acid refluxes, or travels “backwards” from the stomach to the esophagus which can cause a number of symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, frequent burning, and waterbrash, or acidic or metallic tastes in the mouth.

Reflux all the way up to the throat is often termed laryngopharyngeal reflux. Laryngopharyngeal reflux can cause symptoms such as:

Voice changes
Hoarseness
Lump in the throat sensation
Difficulty swallowing
Cough
Throat pain

Treatment of GERD first revolves around behavioral changes such as weight loss when appropriate and dietary changes. Foods such as soda, tomatoes, oranges, coffee, chocolate, onions and spice should be avoided. To prevent reflux after meals, it is important to wait at least 3 hours after eating before laying down.

Medications are also an important part of reflux management. Proton pump inhibitors decrease the amount of acid production in the stomach.

H2 blockers, or histamine receptor blockers, also help in the management of acid reflux.

Surgical management of reflux disease is based on tightening the valve between the esophagus and stomach. This procedure, a Nissen fundoplication, is performed by general surgeons.

Dr-Verma - Voice and Swallowing Doctor - Sunil Verma MD

Throatdisorder.com is an online resource for patients and physicians to learn more about common voice, swallowing, breathing and throat disorders. Throat complaints, from cough to cancer, are a common reason for patients to seek medical treatment. This website developed as a result of Dr. Sunil Verma's passions: that of education, patient care, and interest in technology.


  • Orange Location
    101 The City Drive South,
    Pavilion II
    Orange, CA 92868
  • (888) 826-2672
  • Irvine Location
    250 E. Yale Loop,
    Suite 200
    Irvine, CA 92604
  • (888) 826-2672
Google Rating
4.6
Based on 43 reviews
js_loader

Follow Us !

Office Hours
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm

© Copyright 2024 Southern California Throat Disorder, All rights reserved.