What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)? What are its symptoms, causes, a

Posted by Refluxmd on February 19th, 2018

The frequent flow of stomach acid back into the esophagus (the food pipe connecting our mouth and stomach) is called Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The reflux of acid can irritate the food pipe causing sensation such as burning sensation in the chest. The sensation could exist up to the mid-chest or the through. It is a very common digestive issue.

Causes

The main cause of acid reflux is that lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly or tight enough.  The LES is a muscle at the end of the esophagus and is a one-way valve. The LES opens only when food is swallowed. When this LES does not close properly, the contents of the stomach such as digestive juices, rise to the food pipe.

Consuming meals that are large can also loosen the LES, leading to frequent acid reflux. The other causes of Gastroesophageal reflux disease are

• Stress
• Obesity
• A hiatal hernia
• Consumption of carbonated beverages

Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms

Several Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms can help an individual identify the disease

• Heartburn: A pain at the center of the chest, starting from upper abdomen and spreading up to the throat. The pain can last for a long as two hours.
• Bitter taste in the mouth.
• Bitter acid urging up while bending over or sleeping
• Trouble in swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Wheezing
• A sore throat
• Abdominal pain after the meal
• Nausea

In the case of children, the symptoms include respiratory problems and frequent coughing and vomiting.

Treatment

In most of the cases, the doctors initially suggest lifestyle changes to avoid any kind of medications. The lifestyle changes could include the following

• Stop smoking
• Reducing the consumption of alcohol
• Consuming food with less fat
• Reducing weight
• Trying different positions while sleeping
• Avoiding the consumption of foods that set off attacks

 In case the change in lifestyle does not have a significant impact, the doctor might suggest any one of the below.

• Antacids that can neutralize the acid produced in the stomach
• Acid production reducing medicines
• Medications blocking acid production to heal the esophagus
• Prescription-strength H-2-receptor blockers
• Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors
• Medication that strengthens the LES (lower esophageal sphincter)
• Surgery involving the fundoplication: The top of the stomach is wrapped around LES so that the muscles tighten up which prevents reflux. The wrapping can be either complete or partial.
• Surgery to implant LINX device: LINX devics is a ring of tiny magnetic beads. The ring is wrapped around the junction where the stomach and esophagus meets. The beads in the ring are attracted towards each other preventing the reflux of acid. However, when swallowing any food, the beads allows the food to pass through.

The acid reflux cause due to gastroesophageal disease has several symptoms. Once these symptoms are identified, an immediate treatment must be taken to avoid any kind of damage to the esophagus. The most basic treatment is to change the lifestyle. This treatment is suggested because in most of the cases GERD is due to the lifestyle we live and the food we consume. Regulating both the lifestyle and the foods to consume can helps control GERD. However, if lifestyle changes show no effects, the doctors might suggest medication or surgery.

Author Bio:

RefluxMD provides an overview of all reflux treatment. If you are looking for Gerd Treatmentget in touch with us so that we can guide you based on the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms.

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