Transcription:

Scott Webb: We've all had heartburn or acid reflux and, most of the time, a couple of antacids do the trick. But sometimes symptoms can be more severe and might be an indication that we are suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease also known as GERD. And joining me today to help us understand GERD and how lifestyle changes can often be the cure is Jennifer Mertl. She's a family nurse practitioner with Franciscan Physicians Network in Crawfordsville.

This is the Franciscan Health Doc Pod. I'm Scott Webb. Jennifer, thanks so much for joining me today. We're talking about GERD. So let's start up front here. What is GERD?

Jennifer Mertl: Well, that is a very good question and probably the most prevalent condition I'm asked about here in the office. And GERD known as gastroesophageal reflux disease is also known as acid reflux, and that occurs when your stomach contents kind of back up into your esophagus after you're done eating.

Scott Webb: So when we talk about GERD, what are the risk factors for GERD?

Jennifer Mertl: The mainstay of risk factors for reflux disease is definitely lifestyle. So when you take in a lot of caffeine, fatty foods, greasy foods, some alcohol and cigarette smoking is kind of the biggest risk factors as well as some medications as well as obesity and even pregnancy can cause these symptoms.

Scott Webb: Yeah, it does seem like a lot of times I do it to myself. The things that I tend to like the most, caffeine, chocolate, pasta, you know, those do seem to be the triggers for reflux. And, what are the main symptoms? Like how do we identify it as reflux versus possibly something else?

Jennifer Mertl: Some of the most common symptoms of the reflux is that stomach pain, chest pain, even trouble swallowing or that sense of a lump in your throat that might cause raspy voice or sore throat.   Sometimes an unexplained cough or even nausea and vomiting are some of the examples.

Scott Webb: Yeah. So the symptoms can range from just a little discomfort to more severe. And when people come in and they believe it's something more severe, possibly GERD, how do you diagnose reflux?

Jennifer Mertl: Diagnosis is sometimes just based on a good evaluation of your symptoms and a physical exam. Then sometimes a provider might even need to do some additional testing, like scope procedures or even checking the pH of your stomach.

Scott Webb: That's interesting. And you mentioned that a lifestyle is often the cause or trigger of reflux. So what generally can we all do besides avoiding, you know, caffeine and pasta and all the good stuff? What else can we do to deal with reflux on our own?

Jennifer Mertl: Well, kind of one of the easiest, but hardest things to do is definitely lifestyle changes. Things like losing weight, avoiding late night meals, picking the proper foods to eat, like limiting your chocolate, your alcohol, even peppermint foods can cause these symptoms or also raising the head of your bed at night, just a few inches can make a big difference. And most of all, stop smoking if that's something you do.

Scott Webb: Yeah, definitely, and as you've pointed out here that we are often the cause of our reflux. But sometimes no matter what we do, treating it by living better and doing some of the things that you've suggested doesn't help and we need to see a doctor. So if we see our primary and we end up in your office, just generally take us through this, when will we know that it's time to do more than just take a couple of Tums?

Jennifer Mertl: After you've made your own changes in your habits, definitely if your symptoms become severe or start lasting a long time, if you're unable to control your symptoms on your own, and then if you're having any difficulty with swallowing or if you feel like food is starting to get stuck in your throat, if you have any unexplained weight loss, or significant chest pain, those are some signs as well as vomiting even can happen or changes in your bowel movements.

Scott Webb: Yeah. And I've heard that basically, if you're suffering from reflux, you know, more than once or twice a week, that it's probably time to take this a little bit more seriously. And as you say, there are things that we can do lifestyle wise, but in the end we may end up in your office and, if we do, how are you treating reflux?

Jennifer Mertl: We can prescribe medications that cause a blocking of the actual histamine receptors in your stomach to promote those symptoms, as well as inhibit some of the stomach acid that's in your stomach. And those are prescription only.

Scott Webb: Yeah. And I think that, some of us are used to that, that a lot of people will eat the things that they know are triggers and then they'll try to treat it afterwards with antacids, you know, over-the-counter type stuff. But a lot of the key to this to treating this is actually preventing the reflux, right?

Jennifer Mertl: Correct. Correct.

Scott Webb: What are some of the resources that are available to people as we try to understand? Is this just a simple heartburn, reflux or is it GERD? where can we direct people?

Jennifer Mertl: Well, you know, since it could be so many different things, it's always best to reach out to your own healthcare provider. They are always the best source of information and qualified to answer any of your medical questions.

Scott Webb: Yeah, that's great advice. As we wrap up here today, we kind of started by saying that GERD is very common, and it's also highly treatable, but if it's left untreated, it can lead to more severe consequences. So what's your message today? What are your takeaways when it comes to GERD?

Jennifer Mertl: Listen to your body. Your body is always telling you something. So listen to your body and be a proponent of your health.

Scott Webb: We want people to advocate for themselves. There are things that they can do at home. Of course, lifestyle changes to deal with reflux and GERD. If it goes beyond that, if you're taking antacids every day, then it would be time to speak with your provider, possibly see a specialist and so on.

So Jennifer, thanks so much for your time today and you stay well.

Jennifer Mertl: Well, thank you so much.

Scott Webb: Go to franciscandocs.org and search family medicine to find a primary care provider. And we hope you found this podcast to be helpful and informative. This is the Franciscan Health Doc Pod. I'm Scott Webb. Stay well, and we'll talk again next time.