Serious form of Gastroesophageal Reflux - Essay Example

Health Sciences and Medicine: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder Introduction/Background A more serious form of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is the gastroesophageal disease (GERD) which is more common. It is with the spontaneous opening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs. It is either for varying periods that the opening occurs, or that it does not closes up properly because of which the stomach contents rise up into the esophagus. Acid reflux or acid regurgitation is the other name, which has been given to GER. This name is given because acids- otherwise known as acid juices, rise up with the food. The tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach is known as esophagus. At the bottom of the esophagus, there is a ring of muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This ring of muscle acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. Food and fluid can be tasted in the back of the mouth with the occurring of acid reflux. Heart burn or acid indigestion is a result of the burning sensation in the chest or the throat. This happens when the refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus. GER is something which happens occasionally. However, this does not mean that one has GERD. Reflux that occurs more than twice a week, which means that reflux which is persistent is considered to be GERD. This can often lead to serious health problems. People of all ages can be a victim of GERD (National Digestive Diseases n.p). If GERD cannot be treated, it can be a problem. This is because over the period, the tissue lining is damaged by the reflux of stomach acid, hence, causing inflammation and pain. In the elderly, untreated GERD, which is long lasting, may often result in permanent damage of the esophagus and might cause cancer sometimes (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease n.p). Symptoms of GERD Acid indigestion- frequent heartburn is the main symptom of GERD in adults. There is a burning type of pain in the lower part of the mid-chest, behind the breastbone and in the mid-abdomen. Some people may have GERD without having heartburn. This usually includes in children below the age of 12 and some adults. They may instead experience a dry cough, asthma symptoms, or trouble in swallowing (National Digestive Diseases n.p). Some other symptoms may include laryngitis, nausea, sore throat, hoarseness. The acid reflux can enter the throat (pharynx), if it gets past the upper esophageal sphincter. This might affect the voice box also causing hoarseness. Other symptoms may include bad breath, ear aches, feeling a lump in your throat, or the sudden increase of the saliva, and chest pain (Heartburn/GERD Health Center). Recommended drugs The physicians often prescribe antacids such as Mylanta and Tums. With the help of these antacids, stomach acid is neutralized and it helps in relieving heartburn (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Medications). Mylanta is taken through mouth usually after meals and at bedtime as needed. It is better to swallow the tablets with 8 ounces or 240 milliliters of water. This medication also comes in the form of liquid. However, if it is taken in that form, than it is important to shake the bottle well before using (Drugs & Medications - mylanta oral). Physicians might often prescribe such medications which helps to reduce acid production. They are known as H2 receptor blockers, Zantacs being one of them. For adults the usual dose is 150 mg or 2 tsp. of the syrup taken twice a day. The doctors shall prescribe the dose as per their weight. It is very important to take zantac at the same time every day. It can be taken with or without food (PDR Health). Other prescribed medicines may be such that blocks acid production and heal the esophagus. This category includes lansoprazole. The doctors prescribe to take 15 mg of it orally once a day. The therapy of lansoprazole should continue for up to 8 weeks. Lansoprazole is sold under the brand name of Prevacid. After 8 weeks if the symptoms does not improve, than the doctors may prescribe this for another 8 weeks (Lansoprazole Dosing). Diagnosis/Prognosis of GERD While diagnosing for GERD, the doctor will ask you to estimate how often you have heartburn, and see the other symptoms of GERD. They may often ask about the symptoms whether they are bad when you lie down or bend over, or any other specific position in which it burns or worsens. The doctor will also be interested in viewing the current medications because often some can loosen the esophageal sphincter. If the physical examination is normal because of the mild heartburn, then the doctors may recommend the change in lifestyle over the counter. This means that there will be no need to begin any special diagnostic testing or prescription treatment. If the symptoms are serious, like a long lasting heartburn, which is not relived through medication, then you will have to undergo endoscopy. This is done with the help of an instrument known as an endoscope. Some other tests, which the doctor may prescribe, may include Barium Swallow, which is an X-ray test, which outlines the esophagus. Cardiac evaluation is another type of a test which is a stress exercise test to check the heart disease. Esophageal manometry or motility studies is another kind of a test which checks the squeezing motion of you esophagus while you are swallowing. Esophagus pH monitoring uses electrodes to measure the pH acid level in the esophagus. This usually happens over a 24-hour period (What is the diagnosis of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD?). With the help of an effective treatment plan, patients of GERD are able to heal up completely without further flare-ups and complications. Those people who seek treatment as quickly as possible have the best prognosis (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)). It is still unclear why some people develop GERD. According to the research, in people with GERD, the esophagus is working while the LES is at rest. However, many abnormalities may contribute to GERD (Heartburn/GERD Health Center). Works Cited Drugs & Medications - mylanta oral. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-5123-ALUMINUM%2FMAGNESIUM+ANTACID+-+ORAL.aspx?drugid=15586&drugname=mylanta+oral Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. (n.d.). Retrieved May 13, 2012 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). (n.d.). Retrieved from GERD Prognosis: http://www.healthcommunities.com/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd/prognosis.shtml Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Medications. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/tc/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd-medications Heartburn/GERD Health Center. (n.d.). Retrieved from Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) -- Symptoms: http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/understanding-gerd-symptoms Lansoprazole Dosing. (n.d.). Retrieved from Lansoprazole Dosing: An Introduction: http://drugs.emedtv.com/lansoprazole/lansoprazole-dosing.html National Digestive Diseases . (n.d.). Retrieved May 13, 2012 PDR Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from Physicians Desk Reference: http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/zantac What is the diagnosis of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.onlymyhealth.com/what-diagnosis-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd-12977611747 Read More