Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux or ‘GERD’ is a disorder of the stomach and the oesophagus, whereby contents of the stomach (stomach acids and foods) are ‘refluxed’ or returned back up the oesophagus, causing irritation of the lining of the oesophagus and heartburn. If left untreated, this disorder can even damage the oesophagus or the respiratory tract.

In normal digestion, the oesophageal sphincter muscle allows food to pass down the oesophagus into the stomach, but it closes so that these stomach contents cannot flow back up the oesophagus. In people affected by GERD, the oesophageal sphincter muscle may be weaker or relax inappropriately, allowing the stomach contents to flow back up into the oesophagus, causing frequent heartburn and irritating the oesophageal lining, which can disrupt your normal daily activities.

People with asthma are at a higher risk of developing GERD. This is because flare-ups because of asthma can cause the oesophageal sphincter muscles, responsible for preventing food and stomach acids from flowing back up the oesophagus, to relax. Pregnant women, smokers, obese people and diabetics are at a higher risk for developing this condition.

GERD is a chronic digestive disease, which means that it affects you over a long term. Lifestyle changes and certain medications help you manage the symptoms of GERD.

When to seek expert advice

If you experience any of the above symptoms for a prolonged time period, you must get yourself evaluated to diagnose the presence of GERD. Serious symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux which must not be ignored include difficulty breathing, chest pain, frequent heartburn, or recurring episodes of the above-described symptoms. If you suspect that your symptoms are worsening, you must seek immediate medical advice from an ENT (Eye-Nose-Throat) specialist working for the Section of Otolaryngology (ENT) of The Aga Khan University Hospital.​