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Home > Medical Reference > Patient EducationServices at Maryland GeneralA complete list of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services at MGH.Gastroesophageal reflux disease and heartburn - Risk Factors
DescriptionAn in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of GERD.Alternative NamesHeartburn; GERD Risk Factors:GERD occurs monthly in about half of American adults. People of all ages are susceptible to GERD. Elderly people with GERD tend to have a more serious condition than younger people. Risk Factors for Heartburn and GERDEating Pattern. People who eat a heavy meal and then lie on their back or bend over from the waist are at risk for an attack of heartburn. Anyone who snacks at bedtime is also at high risk for heartburn. Pregnancy. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to GERD in their third trimester, as the growing uterus puts increasing pressure on the stomach. Heartburn in such cases is often resistant to dietary interventions and even to antacids. Obesity. A number of studies suggest that obesity contributes to GERD, and it may increase the risk for erosive esophagitis (severe inflammation in the esophagus) in GERD patients. Having a large amount of fat in the abdomen may be the most important risk factor for the development of acid reflux and associated complications such as Barrett's esophagus and cancer of the esophagus, studies indicate. Researchers have also reported that increased BMI is associated with more severe GERD symptoms. Losing weight appears to help reduce GERD symptoms. However, gastric banding surgery to combat obesity may actually increase the risk for, or worsen symptoms of GERD. Respiratory Diseases. People with asthma are at very high risk for GERD. Between 50% and 90% of patients with asthma have some symptoms of GERD. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are also at increased risk for GERD, and having GERD may worsen pre-existing COPD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to chronic lung disorders that result in blocked air flow in the lungs. The two main COPD disorders are emphysema and chronic bronchitis, the most common causes of respiratory failure. Emphysema occurs when the walls between the lung's air sacs become weakened and the sacs get enlarged and filled with too much air. Damage from COPD is usually permanent and irreversible.  Smoking. Increasing evidence indicates that smoking raises the risk for GERD. Studies suggest that smoking reduces LES muscle function, increases acid secretion, impairs muscle reflexes in the throat, and damages protective mucus membranes. Smoking reduces salivation, which helps neutralize acid. It is unknown whether the smoke, nicotine, or both trigger GERD. Some people who use nicotine patches to quit smoking, for example, have heartburn, but it is not clear whether the nicotine or stress produces the acid backup. In addition, smoking can lead to emphysema, which is itself a risk factor for GERD. Alcohol Use. Alcohol has mixed effects on GERD. It relaxes the LES muscles and, in high amounts, may irritate the mucus membrane of the esophagus. Small amounts of alcohol, however, may actually protect the mucosal layer. A combination of heavy alcohol use and smoking increases the risk for esophageal cancer. Hormone Replacement Therapy. Symptoms of GERD are more likely to occur in postmenopausal women who receive hormone replacement therapy. The risk increases with larger estrogen doses and longer duration of therapy. Resources
ReferencesBrant K. Oelschlager BK, Eubanks TR, Pellegrini CA. Hiatal Hernia and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. In: Townsend: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 18th ed. Philadelphia, PA:WB Saunders; 2007:chap 42. Chang EY, Morris CD, Seltman AK, et al. The effect of antireflux surgery on esophageal carcinogenesis in patients with barrett esophagus: a systematic review. Ann Surg. 2007;246(1):11-21. Friedenberg FK, Xanthopoulos M, Foster GD, Richter JE. The association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and obesity. Am J Gastroenterol. 2008;103:2111-2122. Furnée EJ, Draaisma WA, Broeders IA, Smout AJ, Gooszen HG. Surgical reintervention after antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a prospective cohort study in 130 patients. Arch Surg. 2008;143:267-274. Gee DW, ANdreoli MT, Rattner DW. Measuring the effectiveness of laparoscopic antireflux surgery: long-term results. Arch Surg. 2008;143:482-487. Herzig SJ, Howell MD, Ngo LH, Marcantonio ER. Acid-suppressive medication use and the risk for hospital-acquired pneumonia. JAMA. 2009;301:2120-2128. Hirano I, Richter JE, and the Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology. ACG practice guidelines: esophageal reflux testing. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2007;102:668-685. Islami F, Kamangar F. Helicobacter pylori and esophageal cancer risk: a meta-analysis. Cancer Prev Res. 2008;1:329-338. Jeansonne LO, White BC, Nguyen V, Jafri SM, Swafford V, Katchooi M, et al. Endoluminal full-thickness plication and radiofrequency treatments for GERD: An outcomes comparison. Arch Surg. 2009;144:19-24. Kahrilas PJ, Shaheen NJ, Vaezi MF, Hiltz SW, Black E, Modlin IM. American Gastroenterological Association Medical Position Statement on the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroenterology. 2008;135:1383-1391. Jacobson BC, Moy B, Colditz GA, et al. Postmenopausal Hormone Use and Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(16):1798-1804. Mishkin DS, Chuttani R, Croffie J, et al. ASGE Technology Status Evaluation Report: wireless capsule endoscopy. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2008;63(4): 539-545. Orenstein S, Peters J, Khan S, et al. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). In: Kliegman: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 18th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2007:chap 320. Rodriguez LG, Ruigómez A, Martin-Merino E, Johansson S, Wallander MA. Relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and COPD in UK primary care. Chest. 2008;1223-1230. Talley NJ, Locke GR 3rd, McNally M, Schleck CD, Zinsmeister AR, Melton LJ 3rd. Impact of gastroesophageal reflux on survival in the community. Am J Gastroenterol. 2008;103:12-19. Targownik LE, Lix LM, Metge CJ, Prior HJ, Leung S, Lesie WD. Use of proton pump inhibitors and risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. CMAJ. 2008;179:319-326. Wang KK, Sampliner RE. Updated guidelines 2008 for the diagnosis, surveillance and therapy of Barrett's esophagus. Am J Gastroenterol. 2008;103(3):788-97. Wilson JF. In The Clinic: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Ann Intern Med. 2008;149(3):ITC2-1-15. Zhao Y, Encinosa W. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Hospitalizations in 1998 and 2005. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, January 2008.
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