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Acid reflux!

Acid reflux


GERD - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Acid reflux

GERD-Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease and refers to the backward flow of acid from the stomach up into the esophagus. GERD, known as acid reflux or persistent heartburn, is a chronic disorder.

GERD may cause the following symptoms:

Burning sensation.

It may improve or worsen after eating food.

Bitter or sour taste in the throat.

Trouble swallowing.

Cough or wheeze.

Upset stomach.

Hoarse voice or sore throat.

GERD is generally diagnosed by a gastroenterologist through physical examinations, x-rays, and endoscopies.

Complications may include chest pain sometimes mimicking a heart attack, a narrowing or obstruction of the esophagus, vomiting, shortness of breath.

GERD is caused when the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes, allowing stomach acid to flow backward. This will cause a burning sensation. Treatment includes internal medication and lifestyle changes.

Avoid foods that increase acidity

Eat smaller, more frequent meals.

Large meals increase upward pressure. So avoid large meals.

Avoid chocolate, coffee, peppermint, greasy or spicy foods, tomato products, and alcoholic beverages.

Stop smoking

Avoid tight clothing

Reduce weight if obese

Go to bed after 3 hours of dinner

Elevating the head of the bed by keeping a brick under the headside of your cot or you can also use an extra pillow or a wedge-shaped pillow, to elevate your head.

Research is providing hopeful insights and novel treatments to help reduce and neutralize stomach acids, protect the lower esophageal sphincter, and improve gastric emptying.

Heartburn symptoms can often be relieved with good heartburn treatment and small lifestyle changes.

Maintain a reasonable weight.

Obesity increases abdominal pressure, which can then push stomach contents up into the esophagus. Approximately 35% of overweight people experience heartburn. As little as a 10% decrease in weight will improve their heartburn symptoms.

Don't smoke.

Nicotine relaxes the esophageal sphincter. Smoking also stimulates the production of stomach acid.

Don't drink alcohol.

Alcohol aggravates the symptoms of heartburn. So avoid alcohol.

Relax.

While stress hasn't been linked directly to heartburn, it is known that it can lead to behaviors that can trigger heartburn.

Don't wear tight clothes.

Tight clothes will squeeze the stomach, forcing food up and causing food to reflux into the esophagus.

Keep a heartburn record.

Record what triggered your acid reflux episodes, how the body reacts, and what gives you relief. Talk to your doctor so that he will advise you what lifestyle changes you will need for maximum relief from reflux.

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