Everything you need to know about Acid Reflux Disease

Posted by Refluxmd on March 3rd, 2018

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), also known as Acid Reflux Disease is a digestive disorder that occurs when acidic stomach juices go back up from the stomach into the esophagus. Symptoms of this disease can be burning sensation in the chest and regurgitation (bringing up) of stomach fluid. In some cases, the patient wakes up at night due to these symptoms.

If the problem is not controlled and it is the condition of (long-term) heartburn or GERD, it can result in severe issues such Barrett’s esophagus, esophagitis, strictures, and esophageal cancer.

These acid reflux diseases are not common but can cause significant problems lately. Get acquainted with the most severe acid reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus.

Barrett’s Esophagus

A condition that develops in the person who experiences GERD for the more extended run. It is a risk factor, which can cause cancer in the esophagus. Damage and Acid Reflux Diseases can cause abnormal changes in the lining of the esophagus. The problem is majorly diagnosed in those who are middle-aged or older. Therefore, it is more common in men than in women.

Also, some people experiencing heartburn are even at the risk of facing Barrett’s Esophagus. It is diagnosed with a test called an upper endoscopy to the lining of the esophagus and for obtaining a biopsy for examination. Expert recommends people to check for the problem who experiences factors such as white race, male gender, and overweight.

However, a screening test is not recommended for the general population with the problem of heartburn or acid reflux disease.

What are the symptoms of Barrett’s Esophagus?

There are no particular symptoms of Barrett’s Esophagus. However, these are factors that are likely to increase the occurrence of the problem in people. Some of those factors that can increase the chances of Barrett’s Esophagus are:

• Chronic Heartburn
• Acid Reflux Diseases
• Ageing
• Being a man
• Being white
• Chest Pain
• Smoking Habit
• Difficulty Swallowing Food
• Overweight

Treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus

The cure for the problem depends on how severe the tissue change is, and also the overall health of the patient.

Treating Mild or No Tissue Changes

• Take medication to treat the symptoms of GERD
• Follow-up endoscopy after one year, one in every three years (for people with no tissue changes)
• Follow-up endoscopy from 6 months to 1 year (for people with mid tissue changes)

Treating Severe Tissue Changes

• Photodynamic therapy
• Esophagectomy
• Cryotherapy
• Endoscopic Resection
• Radiofrequency ablation

If you do not wish to move towards the medical treatment, changes in the lifestyle can also reduce the symptoms of GERD.

Lifestyle Changes

• Stop Smoking
• Avoid bending over
• Avoid lying over after eating
• Reduce weight

These procedures are done as a last resort for treating acid reflux disease after medical treatment, and home remedies will prove to be inadequate.

Therefore, people who experience the symptoms of Barrett’s Esophagus and feels a risk of GERD should speak to a healthcare provider to attain quality life.

Author Bio:

RefluxMD provides an overview of all reflux treatment. If you are looking for Reflux Disease Causesget in touch with us so that we can guide you based on the Barrett’s Disease.

Original source: https://sites.google.com/site/refluxmdguide/everything-you-need-to-know-about-acid-reflux-disease