Boy, what a day
to revisit GERD, right? The day after Thanksgiving can translate into
"need to know" for those who suffer
from Gastro-Esophageal-Reflux-Disease.
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) becomes GERD when symptoms
are consistently present for more than a couple of times a week, you should be
assessed by a physician. The specialist in this field is called a
gastroenterologist or the “GI doc.”
What
happens?
We have two tube-like structures
that make their way through our neck. The passageway of food from the mouth to
the stomach is a tube-like structure called the esophagus
which is located behind the second structure, the trachea or breathing tube.
When there is a problem with the esophagus, we experience symptoms of
heartburn, sour taste, burning, soreness or hoarseness in the throat, nausea,
regurgitation, problems swallowing, and sometimes even severe chest pain, but
never assume your pain is GERD until you have been properly diagnosed with a
test called an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), and heart problems have been
ruled out. The symptoms of GERD and other problems such as esophageal spasm and
hiatal hernia can mimic heart pain. Always err on the side of caution.
“Reflux” of stomach acid occurs
because the gate (sphincter) at the lower end of the esophagus fails. Normally,
this lower gate (LES) relaxes to let food pass into the stomach where special
acids continue the digestive process. When the gate/sphincter, which is
normally a tight muscle, becomes floppy or opens for no reason, acid and/or
food regurgitate back into the esophagus and can make it all the way back to
the mouth. This can cause permanent damage, because those acids belong in the
stomach and can cause erosion when it strays from its home, the stomach. When
GERD is present, unlike pleasant and nurturing Aunt Geordie, it is no fun. I imagine right now you at least have a roll
of antacids in your purse or pocket.
On Sharecare.com (my other home), Dr
Mehmet Oz has a short demonstrative video that shows you exactly what happened
in GERD. You can watch it
here.
Why does the sphincter stop working?
Sphincter dysfunction can be the
result of heredity, life-style choices, or myofascial pain syndrome. Some
patients are more susceptible to this, such as those with connective tissue
disorder, diseases that cause restriction of the esophagus, hypermobility
syndromes causing laxity, certain neurological conditions, and patients with
muscle dysfunction.
What should we avoid?
We can only focus on what we can change, such as healthier lifestyle choices
that affect or worsen GERD. We should not overeat; limit acid forming foods
(fried, greasy, spicy or inflammation producing), drinks (such as caffeine and
carbonated beverages) and alcohol. We should learn more about what supplements
and medications might aggravate GERD; avoid smoking; and limit exercise that
creates gravitational reflux, such as jumping, aggressive jogging or Yoga
poses, such as the downward facing dog.
What can we do?
Sleeping with your upper body at a
slight angle (head higher than your waist) can help prevent acid reflux by
gravitational flow. (Try putting four inch blocks under the head of your bed
frame.) Learn about and use an anti-inflammatory diet, eat small frequent
meals, and exercise regularly by walking or doing T’ai Chi to improve
digestions. There are also supplements, such as ginger and medications that can
help treat GERD, so if you have symptoms, discuss them with your doctor.
If you have myofascial pain
syndrome, you could be at an increased risk of having esophageal problems.
According to Travell and Simons knotted up pieces of muscle fiber, called
myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) can cause or contribute to GERD. Remember the
sphincter is made of muscle and abdominal and chest muscles completely surround
the digestive system. Trigger points in the area can also mimic symptoms
of costochondritis (chest wall pain) and cause esophageal spasm which is
diagnosed by symptoms and a test called an esophageal manometry. So, be sure to
feel around your chest and abdomen for tender areas and see if you have
unusual, painful lumps.
November is awareness month for
Gastro-Esophageal-Reflux-Disease
Excerpt:Twisting of the upper body, slumping over a keyboard, not using proper
body mechanics when doing activities, walking or sleeping; lifting too much
weight, excessive reaching, a cold or cough, trauma, surgery, improper
breathing techniques (chest or shallow breathing), overuse of unconditioned
muscles, carrying a baby, backpack, or heavy purse, any activity that causes
heavy breathing (exercise or anxiety), arm movement (such as swimming, tennis,
racquet ball, golf, weight lifting, or bowling when you are not used to it),
can be aggravating factors for the development of TrPs in the chest wall.
Metabolic disorders and other conditions such as CFS and GWS can also make TrPs
more difficult to treat.
Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by Celeste Cooper, RN and Jeff Miller, PhD Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and all major online retail stores.
(Signature line appended October
2018)
In healing,
Think adversity?-See opportunity!
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