GERD

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest called heartburn, as well as other symptoms such as regurgitation (acid coming back up into the mouth), difficulty swallowing, and a sore throat.

How common is GERD?

GERD is a very common condition, affecting up to 20% of adults in the United States. It is more common in people over the age of 40, and it is also more common in women than in men.

What causes GERD?

The exact cause of GERD is not fully understood, but there are a number of factors that can contribute to the condition, including:

• A weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscle that normally keeps stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus.
• Increased pressure in the abdomen, which can push stomach acid up into the esophagus. This can happen when you are overweight or obese, pregnant, or straining to have a bowel movement.
• Certain foods and drinks, such as fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol, can relax the LES and make it more likely for stomach acid to back up into the esophagus.
• Smoking can also irritate the lining of the esophagus and make it more susceptible to damage from stomach acid.

What are the symptoms of GERD?

The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest that is often worse after eating or lying down. Other symptoms of GERD can include:

• Regurgitation (acid coming back up into the mouth)
• Difficulty swallowing
• A sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Coughing
• Chest pain
• Dental erosion
• Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous condition of the lining of the esophagus)

How is GERD diagnosed?

GERD is typically diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may also order an upper endoscopy, which is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into your esophagus to look for signs of GERD.

How is GERD treated?

The goal of treatment for GERD is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment options include:

• Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding trigger foods and drinks, and not eating before bed.
• Medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
• Surgery, which is only an option for people who do not respond to other treatments.

What are the complications of GERD?

If GERD is not treated, it can lead to a number of complications, including:

• Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition of the lining of the esophagus.
• Esophageal stricture, a narrowing of the esophagus that can make it difficult to swallow.
• Esophageal cancer.

How can I prevent GERD?

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent GERD, including:

• Losing weight if you are overweight or obese.
• Avoiding trigger foods and drinks, such as fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol.
• Not eating before bed.
• Raising the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches.
• Quitting smoking.
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals.
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing.

Conclusion

GERD is a common condition that can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms. However, it is a treatable condition, and there are a number of things you can do to help prevent it. If you are experiencing symptoms of GERD, talk to your doctor about the best course of treatment for you. It is pertinent to note here that our food habits partially determine the onset of GERD . So its better adequate care is taken to prevent and suppress it budding stage .