GERD
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest, known as heartburn. GERD can also cause other symptoms, such as:
- Regurgitation: The feeling of food or liquid coming back up into the mouth.
- Sore throat: This can be caused by stomach acid irritating the lining of the throat.
- Hoarseness: This can also be caused by stomach acid irritating the vocal cords.
- Chest pain: This can be similar to the pain of a heart attack.
- Waking up with a cough: This can be caused by stomach acid irritating the airways.
- Nausea: This can be caused by stomach acid irritating the stomach.
- Vomiting: This can be caused by stomach acid irritating the stomach and intestines.
GERD is caused by a weak muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. This muscle is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES is weak, it allows stomach acid to back up into the esophagus.
There are a number of things that can contribute to GERD, including:
- Being overweight or obese. Excess weight can put pressure on the LES, making it more likely to relax and allow stomach acid to back up.
- Pregnancy. The hormone progesterone relaxes the LES, making it more likely to allow stomach acid to back up.
- Hiatal hernia. This is a condition in which part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. This can put pressure on the LES, making it more likely to relax and allow stomach acid to back up.
- Certain foods and drinks. Foods and drinks that can trigger GERD include fatty foods, spicy foods, acidic foods, and carbonated beverages.
- Smoking. Smoking can irritate the lining of the esophagus and make it more likely to be damaged by stomach acid.
- Alcohol. Alcohol can relax the LES and make it more likely to allow stomach acid to back up.
GERD can be treated with a variety of medications, including:
- Antacids: These medications neutralize stomach acid.
- H2 blockers: These medications reduce the amount of stomach acid that is produced.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These medications are the most powerful type of GERD medication. They reduce the amount of stomach acid that is produced by up to 90%.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat GERD. Surgery is usually only recommended for people who do not respond to medication or who have severe GERD symptoms.
There are a number of things that you can do to help prevent GERD, including:
- Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
- Avoid foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms.
- Stop smoking.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Don’t eat within 3 hours of bedtime.
- Elevate the head of your bed by 6 inches.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing around your waist.
- Manage stress.
If you are experiencing symptoms of GERD, it is important to see a doctor. GERD can be a serious condition if it is not treated. However, with proper treatment, most people with GERD can manage their symptoms and live a normal life. https://www.digistore24.com/redir/474751/Fathul23/
