Does anyone know anything about GERD?
Friday, August 20th, 2010 at
10:06 pm
GERD is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and my mum has it. i suffer from all the same symptoms as she does and what is connected to GERD. eg, heartburn, severe stomach cramps, chest pain, nausea and sore throat. Ive been to the doctors and had blood tests yet nothing seems to be showing up. the doctor (who isn’t very good i think) told me i have to get on with the pain and discomfort forever…
what should i do ?
Filed under: Gerd Symptoms
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Blood tests aren’t going to show anything. If he thinks he can diagnose GERD with blood tests, then I don’t think that doctor is very good either.
The way it is diagnosed is as follows: You go see a GI doctor. They will schedule an upper GI scope to check for hernia and acid damage, likely followed by a sphincter manometry test, and 24 hour pH monitor above the top valve of the stomach.
The manometry test involves injection of a numbing goo into one nostril. A tube with pressure sensors is then guided down your throat through that nostril and you drink water lying down and upright as they slowly pull the tube out. It checks for weak sphincters.
The 24 pH test is the fun part. A long wire electrode is inserted in that nostril, taped into position, and then you keep a diary of symptoms (burning, reflux, burping, pain, coughing) and click a button on the monitor when you experience them.
After that, you may be recommended for Nissen fundoplication, which is where they wrap the fundus of the stomach around the esophagus underneath the diaphragm, thereby creating a manmade tight sphincter.
Get another doctor. GERD does not show up on any blood tests.
Well, for one thing, I don’t think blood tests are the best way to diagnose GERD. Have you had an endoscopy done? This would allow the doctor to visualize how well the sphincter at the top of your stomach is functioning, if there is any scarring or damage, or how severe any inflammation would be. If you feel as though your problem is more significant than just a little heartburn, be persistent and discuss this as a possible diagnostic option with your physician.
In the mean time, there are lifestyle modifications you may be able to make in order to lessen the symptoms. Stop smoking if you do, and minimize the amount of alcohol you consume. GERD is not caused by any particular kind of foods, but some are more aggravating than others. Very high fat foods affect gastric emptying and increase pressure on the sphincter at the top of the stomach, and can aggravate GERD. Foods such as chocolate, coffee, tea, and peppermint may cause reflux, and milk should be avoided before bedtime because it increases gastric acid secretion. Small frequent meals will help prevent an overproduction of gastric acids, as will drinking fluids in between meals rather than with them. Avoid late night eating as well. Over the counter antacids, such as tums or maalox, may be helpful as well, but if they give no relief you may need to discuss other medications with your doctor. There are over the counter medications that help prevent the excess production of gastric acids as well, the most common I can think of is Zantac 75. Take this before meals, particularly those you know will be irritating, and you should find some relief. Unfortunately, if you do have GERD, there isn’t really an easy cure, but don’t let your doctor tell you to just suck it up and deal with pain for the rest of your life! You do have options!
A blood test isn’t going to confirm the diagnosis of GERD. I have it and seem to have all the symptoms that you do. I would go to another doctor, or see a gastroenterologist if I were you. Often doctors diagnose GERD just by symptoms, but if it sounds more severe (like your’s does) a proper doctor would organise a endoscopy or barium swallow (I’ve had both)
Just email me if you hae any more questions.