What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), its symptoms and risk factors

Posted by Refluxmd on February 19th, 2018

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a digestive disorder where irritation is caused in the food pipe lining due to bile or stomach acid. This issue occurs due to the frequent flow of stomach acids into the esophagus (the pipe connecting the mouth and stomach). This backwash of the acid is termed as acid reflux and irritate the lining of the esophagus.

Most of the people experience timely acid reflux. GERD can occur as mild reflux twice in a week or can occur once in a week with a moderate or strong effect. In some cases, these effects can be managed through medication and/or change in lifestyle. In some cases, doctors advice not to consume certain foods to avoid acid reflux. While in other cases surgery or strong medication is required to counterattack the disease.

Symptoms:

The most common symptoms or signs of being affected by GERD are

1. Pain in the chest
2. Difficulty in swallowing food
3. Heartburn after eating, especially during the night time
4. Regurgitation of sour liquid or food
5. Sensation of lump in the throat

In case of people experiencing acid reflux during the night time, the symptoms could include

1. A chronic cough
2. Laryngitis
3. Disrupted Sleep
4. Asthma that is either new or getting worse.
5. Interrupted sleep

Right time to pay a visit to the Doctor

It is best to visits the doctor in case of experiencing the chest pain, especially, if the case is accompanied by pain in arm or jaw or shortness of breath. Also, immediate appointment of a doctor is advice in the below cases

1. Experiencing frequent symptoms of GERD, especially if they become serious.
2. In case of consuming counter medication for heartburn, more than two times a week.

Factors of Risk

Some of the conditions that can increase the risks of GERD include

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Delayed emptying of stomach
• Scleroderma or other connective tissue disorder
• A Hiatal Hernia

Foods to Avoid Acid Reflux

One should take care of not eating certain foods to avoid acid reflux. Some of them are

• Smoking
• Consumption of large meals
• Consumption of meals during late night
• Consumption of trigger foods such as fried and fatty foods
• Consumption of beverages such as alcohol and coffee
• Consumption of medicines such as aspirin

Complications of Not Getting the Disease Treated on Time

As time passes, the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease can cause several issues even up to the extent of cancer.

1. Esophageal Stricture (Narrowing of Esophagus): This complication damages the lower end of the esophagus resulting in the formation of scar tissues. These tissues further narrow down the pathway and lead to the problem of swallowing food.
2. Esophageal Ulcer (An open sore in the esophagus): The tissues of the esophagus can get damaged or can wear away.
3. Barret’s Esophagus (Precancerous changes to the esophagus): The tissue lining of the esophagus can get changed to the damages caused by stomach acid. Such changes increase the risk of cancer in the esophagus.

A Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, contradictory to general assumptions, can lead to several issues. Hence, it is essential that proper attention is paid to the disease and its symptoms. In case, you have any of the symptoms, hurry up to your doctor. If not, go out and enjoy your life to the fullest!!!

Author Bio:

RefluxMD provides an overview of all reflux treatment. If you are looking for Foods To Avoid Acid Reflux get in touch with us so that we can guide you based on the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Original source: https://sites.google.com/site/refluxmdguide/what-is-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd-its-symptoms-and-risk-factors