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How to Fight Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

Are you having a recurrent heartburn? If yes, then probably you should see your doctor as you may suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease also known as GERD.

Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus. Reflux means to flow back or return. Therefore, gastroesophageal reflux is the return of the stomach contents back up into the esophagus. GERD affects people of all ages – from infants to older adults.

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

It is a digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. This backflow (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of the esophagus. GERD occurs when the lower end of the esophagus become weak and not able to open or close properly.

What Are The Causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

It is a chronic condition where you can have complaints more than twice a week. It is a quite common problem among the urban population due to a sedentary lifestyle, overeating, etc. Here are some causes of GERD –

What Are The Risk Factors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

Some conditions that increase your risk of GERD are as follows –

What Are The Sign and Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

Most of the signs and symptoms worst during the night while lying down and less in the day time. If you have persistent heartburn for a longer time then you must visit your doctor.

Your doctor may perform a test to confirm your diagnosis of GERD which can measure the acid content of your esophagus. Also, he/she may examine your esophagus for damage to measure muscle contractions in your esophagus or look at your entire upper digestive tract. Do not self-diagnose or take medications without proper consultation.

Heartburn or GERD symptoms can last around 2-4 hours until the food leaves your stomach and goes into your small intestine. Even after that point, you can have symptoms return later on. This could go on and repeat for days or weeks if left untreated. Some people’s symptoms may disappear within a few weeks with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications, for some it may worsen as the disease progresses.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

How is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Treated?

The first step to treat this disease to change your lifestyle such as changing what you eat or drink. If the complaints persist then your doctor may advise you some medicines such as proton pump inhibitor or histamine – 2 blockers. In the extreme case, the doctor might opt for surgery.

The following lifestyle changes can ease your symptoms:

Also including certain food in the everyday diet helps in treating GERD:

Ginger

Yogurt

Fennel Seeds

Oatmeal

Lifestyle changes is very effective in GERD. Weight loss and tobacco smoking cessation should be recommended to GERD patients who are obese and smoke, respectively. Avoiding late evening meals and head of the bed elevation is effective in nocturnal GERD.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

What Are The Complications of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

It is a chronic and sometimes life-long health condition to deal with. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can control or cure your symptoms. Left untreated, however, GERD can cause permanent damage to the esophagus.

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