.jpg)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has become a common health issue in recent years, with almost everyone experiencing similar symptoms at some point. TV commercials for related medications are frequently aired, leaving a strong impression and highlighting how prevalent GERD has become—it’s now a part of daily life for many people.
Although this condition is often overlooked due to busy lifestyles, early symptoms caused by acid reflux—such as chronic coughing, a sensation of something stuck in the throat, heartburn, chest tightness, bad breath, nausea, and vomiting—should not be ignored. Relying on over-the-counter medications to ease these symptoms without getting a proper examination at the hospital can eventually lead to more serious health problems.
Symptoms and Risks of GERD
GERD refers to the backward flow of stomach acid into areas outside the stomach, causing irritation and various symptoms. These symptoms are wide-ranging and are categorized into esophageal and extra-esophageal types. Esophageal symptoms can further be divided into typical and atypical symptoms. Typical symptoms include a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) and acid regurgitation.
Extra-esophageal and atypical symptoms include chest tightness or pain, bad breath, chronic pharyngitis, a sensation of a foreign object in the throat, difficulty swallowing, nighttime coughing, hoarseness, chronic sinusitis, chronic otitis media, and acid erosion of the teeth. However, these symptoms need to be properly examined through medical testing to confirm a diagnosis of GERD.
Additionally, repeated reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus can cause long-term damage to the esophageal lining, changing the normal flat cells into abnormal ones known as "Barrett’s mucosa." This condition can develop into "Barrett’s esophagus," and when the length of this abnormal mucosa exceeds 3 cm, the risk of esophageal cancer significantly increases. To detect early signs of esophageal or stomach cancer, undergoing an endoscopy for GERD is the most direct and reliable method.
Prevention and Treatment
According to Taiwan’s Health Promotion Administration, the number of GERD patients increases every year, with the highest prevalence among people aged 50 to 59. Due to high levels of stress and poor dietary habits, the rate of GERD among younger individuals is also on the rise. If not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, GERD can severely impact one’s work and daily life and may even increase the risk of early-stage esophageal cancer in some patients.
GERD is more common in men, pregnant women, individuals with obesity, and those with unhealthy habits such as smoking and heavy drinking. To effectively eliminate GERD, it is essential to make active adjustments to both lifestyle and eating habits.
