This year’s theme, "Healthy Habits, Happy Holidays," emphasizes practical lifestyle changes to manage GERD effectively. Healthcare providers and organizations across the country will host educational workshops, webinars, and free health screenings to raise awareness. Social media campaigns using hashtags like #GERDAwarenessWeek2024 will share tips on GERD-friendly diets, the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding common triggers like fatty or acidic foods. The week also seeks to break the stigma surrounding chronic conditions like GERD by sharing patient stories and providing resources for long-term management.
GERD Awareness Week 2024 is a timely reminder of the importance of self-care during the festive season. It empowers individuals to take charge of their digestive health, emphasizing that occasional heartburn should not be ignored if it becomes frequent or severe. By spreading awareness and encouraging early intervention, this campaign helps reduce the burden of GERD-related complications and ensures that more people can enjoy a healthy, comfortable holiday season.
GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating its lining. GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, doesn't close properly, allowing acid to escape into the esophagus.
Symptoms of GERD
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often after eating, which may worsen when lying down or bending over.
- Regurgitation: A sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into the throat or mouth.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): Feeling of food stuck in the throat or chest.
- Chest pain: Sometimes mistaken for heart-related issues.
- Chronic cough: Especially at night or when lying down.
- Hoarseness or sore throat: Caused by acid irritating the throat and vocal cords.
- Nausea: Particularly after meals.
- Wheezing or asthma-like symptoms: Due to acid irritating the airways.
Causes of GERD
- Weak or Relaxed LES: When the LES weakens or relaxes abnormally, stomach acid can escape into the esophagus.
- Hiatal Hernia: A condition where the stomach pushes up into the chest through the diaphragm, affecting LES function.
- Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure on the abdomen, pushing acid into the esophagus.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure can contribute.
- Smoking: Weakens the LES and increases acid production.
- Certain Medications: Such as aspirin, ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, or blood pressure drugs.
- Dietary Triggers: Spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruits, and tomatoes.
- Eating Habits: Eating large meals, lying down right after eating, or eating close to bedtime can trigger GERD symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
- Symptoms occur more than twice a week.
- Over-the-counter antacids or medications don’t help.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Persistent nausea or vomiting.
- Unexplained weight loss.
If untreated, GERD can lead to complications like esophageal inflammation (esophagitis), ulcers, narrowing of the esophagus, or a precancerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus.
#GERDAwarenessWeek2024