GERD & Heartburn Support Group

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. This is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. If you are afflicted with GERD or heartburn, join the group and find support.

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jennielouises 08/15/2009

I have read that gerd can actually be caused by too little acid. How do u know the difference? On the one hand the ppi's I have taken (prilosec, prevacid and now nexium) have not really worked, gaviscon generally makes it worse (especially making me burp) and I have had more wind and hunger pains after about 6 months of taking ppi. On the othe hand they have seen visable reflux during a barium (do u still reflux with too little acid?) the nexum seems to orginally stop most of the pains (but the smelly gas and gas pains are still there and strong) and when I try to stop taking nexium I get bubning in the centre of my stomach but not heartburn. Is ittoo much or too little?

deleted_user 08/15/2009

I have heard this also. I think there is some kind of 24 hour test where they have some wire/probe that they put in your throat to test your acid. Have not had this test myself.

I believe that I did read tho that if you have too little acid you can still have reflux type things b/c things arent digesting right. Also I'd think if your les valve is weak--acid or not you might have problems. I think that is part of mine--especially when i eat then have to lean over and pick up something up.
Hope you find some answers...good luck

DarlaC 08/16/2009

The test is called a PH test. The insert a tube down your nose into your stomach for 24 hours. Then they can measure how much acid is produced at different times of the day.

It has been recommended that I have this test done to find out what you are talking about...too much acid, or not enough.

I haven't gotten authorization from my insurance company yet...but this doesn't sound like a very pleasant test either.

There's a shorter version called Manometry which is only a one hour test...and the results are just as telling. Maybe ask your gastro guy about it!

Hope this is of some help to you!

deleted_user 08/17/2009

Such a good question! I have been wondering the same thing. Lately i've been reading several books with recommendations on the right diet. They tend to contradict each other.

From experience, I have learned what I can and cannot eat. I know anything acidy, sweet, spicey, or raw veggies, onions..........I know they all play a part in my GERD.

I'm now weaning off the Nexium, and also trying to be stronger willed at staying away from the foods that I know I should not eat. If I feel better and lose some weight in the process........then that is a plus!

It CAN get confusing, can't it?

deleted_user 08/18/2009

I am also wondering about the too little or too much acid argument. I just had a 48-hour Bravo capsule test which showed reflux. Unfortunately, it cannot determine the type of liquid. I do not show signs of inflammation or esophagitis (yet), so I could have weak acid, bile, or non-acid reflux. I am now going in for an impedance test which will help make the final call. I also also trying ginger.

I am confused like many, having recently read that a lot of the conventional diet approaches are not evidence-based. (See article http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/561992). There is so much contradictory material out there, it is hard to sort it all out. I think this stuff just tends to be an individual thing (i.e., what works for me may not work for you).

deleted_user 08/18/2009

Sorry, my article link did not work. The article is in the AMA's Archives of Internal Medicine, and is titled:

"Are Lifestyle Measures Effective in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease? An Evidence-Based Approach"

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