GERD Treatments
GERD treatments usually treat reflux, but only some address the cause of reflux, the malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter. Additionally, although you can treat heartburn and other symptoms of GERD, once stomach acid has done damage to the esophagus there are only a couple of medications that can help the esophagus heal.
Esophageal ulcers frequently lead to Barrett’s esophagus, which is when the lining of the esophagus actually changes composition due to exposure to toxins that the delicate tissues cannot process, including stomach acid. Barrett’s esophagus often leads to esophageal cancer, which is a particularly bad form of cancer. Most people diagnosed with esophageal cancer are given a prognosis of 18 months.
Your doctor will be able to diagnose you based on the symptoms that you report. Always tell your doctor if you are experiencing chest pain. In the case of extreme, sudden chest pain followed by pain in the arm and shortness of breath, call 911 immediately. Heart attack and angina can mimic the symptoms of GERD, but are potentially deadly.
You should always tell your doctor of over the counter medications you are using, as well as any symptoms you are experiencing. Even if over the counter medications are working, you may only be treating symptoms while the causes of a serious condition are being overlooked. Be sure to tell your doctor of all symptoms you are experiencing, even if they seem completely unrelated. Many diseases can only be diagnosed once all symptoms have been reported, and failure to notice one symptom can result in misdiagnosis. GERD is a fairly common and easily diagnosed disease. If you experience heartburn more than once a week for three or four weeks in a row, tell your doctor. If you use antacids or other over the counter medications regularly, you are probably suffering from GERD, but only treating the symptom of heartburn.
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