What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) all about

Posted by Refluxmd on March 16th, 2018

The Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is a disorder of your digestive system which involves the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach along with your stomach and esophagus. If your stomach produces excessive acid and the esophageal sphincter gets weakened due to some reasons and remains open or half closed, your acidic stomach content may backflow upward to your esophagus resulting you severe irritation even in your throat along with heartburn and chest pain. This is called acid reflux. Since the esophageal sphincter plays a key role in preventing the acidic content, that is why it also has a vital role in developing the problem of acid reflux resulting Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

When your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) gets weakened?

If you consume too much spicy or greasy food and develop a habit of going to bed immediately after taking your meal, it may trigger your stomach to produce an excessive quantity of acid. When it occurs frequently, your sphincter might get weakened as result. If you are an obese person, your overweight is also an important factor to weaken your sphincter as it generates a lot of pressure on the sphincter.

What is the role of Hiatal Hernia in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

Recent studies established the role of Hiatal Hernia in the developing of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. If the upper part of your stomach moves up through the diaphragmatic hiatus which is a tiny opening in the diagram, it may cause weakening the sphincter. Therefore, hiatal hernia may be a reason for the influx of the acidic stomach content in your esophagus resulting     

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Other reasons for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

There are other external reasons for the development of Hiatal Hernia. If you have a severe cough, vomiting or any other severe physical exertion, it may increase the pressure in your abdomen and as result, Hiatal Hernia can occur and it can affect the people of all age groups.

The effective remedies for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Since the disease is mostly occurred because of the lifestyle disorder, initially you will be advised by your doctor to adopt some corrective measures regarding your lifestyle. You will need to have some changes regarding your food intake.

The doctor might ask you to avoid foods that might weaken your LES. You will have to resist yourself from consuming fatty fast foods and heavy red meats along with chocolates, ice creams etc. Tea, coffee and any form of alcoholic beverage should be strictly restricted. Citrus fruits along with all kinds of tomato products are totally prohibited for you.

But if the Hiatal Hernia is diagnosed as the principal reason for the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, your doctor even might consider about some surgical interventions.

Author Bio:

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

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