GERD is a condition which develops when the acidic contents of the stomach repeatedly goes back into the food pipe (esophagus) and causes inflammation. GERD is known to affect al tleast 20% of the adults.
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Symptoms of GERD
The symptoms of GERD include heartburn, Bitter/sour taste in the back of the mouth, reflux of food particles /liquids into the mouth, chronic cough, hoarseness of voice etc. Many large studies have confirmed correlation between tobacco smoking and GERD.
At the junction of the stomach and the food pipe ( esophagus) there is a muscular valve known as lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES acts as a one way valve permitting the entry of the food into the stomach from the food pipe and preventing the backward flow of stomach contents into the food pipe.
Failure of this valve mechanism is one of the main causes of GERD. When the stomach acid and other contents flow backward into your esophagus, or food pipe it leads to a condition known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
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Smoking and GERD
Some of the components in tobacco smoke, especially nicotine , have been shown to weaken the valve mechanism of the food pipe or esophagus by causing relaxation of the LES. This relaxation allows stomach acid to trickle back into the esophagus leading to GERD or heartburn. Also smoking is known to increase the stomach acid contents which can have an additive effective in Promoting GERD.
Also smoking is known to reduce salivation and damage the Esophageal lining which can all contribute to worsening GERD. Smoking is commonly linked with other habits such as coffee drinking/alcohol consumption which can further exacerbate your GERD.
Complications of GERD
GERD or heartburn is not just a source of discomfort but also can lead to complications such as ulcers, strictures (narrowing) of the esophagus and also Barrett’s esophagus which can be a forerunner of esophageal cancer.
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Repeated exposure to stomach acid in the esophagus due to acid reflux can cause inflammation and damage the lining of the esophagus over time. This can lead to complications such as esophageal ulcers, strictures (narrowing of the esophagus), and a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus.
Quit smoking
By quitting smoking, there will be definite reduction in the frequency of reflux episodes and marked improvement in symptoms. Also quitting smoking is going to have a positive impact on the overall health such as reduced risk of lung cancer, COPD and heart diseases.
Also along with quitting smoking it is essential to follow other lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, avoidance of alcohol, coffee, chocolate etc to get relief from GERD.
About the author: Dr. Anurag Shetty, Medical Gastroenterologist, KMC Hospital, Mangalore. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.