Patients with GERD will present to Dr. Ali Ghahary, a family physician at Brentwood Medical Clinic, often complaining of heartburn or regurgitation as two of their main symptoms.

1. GASTROESOPHAGEAL
REFLUX DISEASE (GERD)
BY DR. ALI GHAHARY

2. Gastroesophageal
reflux disease
(GERD), commonly
known as acid
reflux, is a medical
condition affects
over 5 million
individuals in
Canada and is
considered a
chronic disease. Source: careworldtv

3. Patients with
GERD will present
to Dr. Ali Ghahary,
a family physician
at Brentwood
Medical Clinic,
often complaining
of heartburn or
regurgitation as
two of their main
symptoms. Source: careworldtv

4. WHAT IS GERD?

5. GERD occurs when the acid content of
the stomach regurgitates or refluxes
back into the esophagus, causing
irritation to the lining of the
esophagus. Symptoms of GERD
include burning pain under the
breastbone, known as the sternum in
the chest region, difficulty swallowing,
coughing, wheezing, sour throat and
hiccups. Such symptoms can be
treated with over-the-counter
medications or prescription drugs
depending on the severity.
Source: careworldtv

6. When you swallow foods or liquids,
the circular band of muscle found in
the bottom area of the esophagus
relaxes, allowing liquids and food to
enter the stomach for digestion to
take place. These foods and liquids
mix with the acid content of the
stomach. When the band of muscle
contracts completely, relaxes
abnormally, or weakens, the acidic
stomach content can flow back into
this esophagus cause irritation,
discomfort and inflammation.
Bleeding, respiratory problems and
ulcers may also be due to this
condition.
Source: careworldtv

7. RISK FACTORS TO GERD

8. You are at risk of developing GERD if
you are pregnant, obese, have asthma,
diabetes, or are a smoker. Smoking has
been found to weaken the muscles at
the base of the esophagus. Some
over-the-counter and prescription
drugs can also increase your disk of
developing GERD including anti-
inflammatories, beta-blockers,
anticholinergics, calcium channel
blockers, bronchodilators, progestin,
active dopamine drugs, tricyclic anti-
depressants and sedatives.
Source: careworldtv

9. Certain foods that trigger
heartburn should also be
avoided. These include fried
foods, fatty foods, oranges,
tomatoes, spicy peppers,
grapefruits, high-fat cheeses,
nuts, avocados, chocolate,
alcohol, garlic, onion, caffeine
and mint. Source: Takeaway

10. While diet and lifestyle
changes alone can be used
to manage the symptoms of
GERD, there are also
medications that can be used
in the treatment of GERD.
These medications will help
to reduce and relief
heartburn and some of the
aforementioned symptoms
associated with this chronic
problem.
Source: Midnightcomm

11. In some cases, surgery
may be required in effort
to strengthen the lower
esophageal sphincter
muscle to prevent reflux
of stomach content.

12. ASSOCIATED DISEASES

13. Over 20 million people in Canada suffer
from other GERD-related diseases such
as Barrett’s Esophagus, Celiac Disease,
and Chron’s Disease. While some of
these conditions have similar
symptoms, not all are alike, and
treatment will always vary from patient
to patient.