Gerd
Acid reflux happens when the valve that connects the stomach to the esophagus weakens. Due to this, stomach acid flows back into the food pipe. The stomach acid is irritant in nature and the lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed. The patient gets a feeling of hot, acidic fluid at the back of his/her throat that can cause huge discomfort. The person can also have chest pain while lying down especially immediately after eating. If acid reflux symptoms happen frequently (more than twice a week) it can cause acid reflux disease commonly known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Gerd Symptoms
The main symptom of acid reflux is heartburn. It may be caused due to excessive eating, overweight or eating fatty foods. There may be many other symptoms of acid reflux. They include:
Heartburn: It is a burning pain that moves up to the chest or throat from the stomach.
Burping
Bloating
Regurgitation: a sour acid backing up into the mouth.
Bloody Vomiting
Nausea
Dry cough
Sore throat
Black Stools
Hiccups
Dysphagia
Gerd Causes
The cause of GERD is frequent acid reflux. The frequent backwash of acid causes huge discomfort. However, certain conditions increase the risk of GERD. They include:
Pregnancy
Obesity
Scleroderma
Delayed stomach emptying
Gerd Treatment
Over The Counter Medications
Medications like antacids, H-2 receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors, etc. are available that provide respite from GERD.
Antacids
Antacids that neutralize stomach acid can provide quick respite.Medicines that aid in reducing acid production include H2 receptor blockers (cimetidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine), proton pump inhibitors (Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Lansoprazole, Rabeprazole, Esmoprazole).
Surgery
Surgery is an effective way to treat GERD. The surgery is:
Fundoplication
The stomach is wrapped around the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) to tighten the muscle and prevent reflux.Surgery is advisable to those who do not wish to take medicines regularly and in those whom regurgitation is troublesome despite medicines
Stop Smoking
Smoking is strictly prohibited as it weakens the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) which in turn increases the reflux of stomach acid.
Say No to Alcohol
Similar to smoking, consumption of alcohol is also a strict no. It also weakens the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) and increases the chances of reflux of acid.
Avoid foods that cause reflux
Fatty or fried foods like garlic, onion, ketchup, caffeine, tomato mint, etc should be avoided as they cause acid reflux.
Overeating should be avoided
Eating big and heavy meals causes acid reflux. So try avoiding them. Also, make sure you are chewing every bite of your food properly. Take your time after every bite and before your next bite.
Maintain a stable weight
Maintaining a healthy weight puts very less or no pressure on the abdomen. This prevents the stomach from pushing the acid and causing it to reflux into your food pipe.
Do not lie down immediately after a meal
Maintaining a healthy weight puts very less or no pressure on the abdomen. This prevents the stomach from pushing the acid and causing it to reflux into your food pipe.
Say no to tight-fitting clothes
Do not wear clothes that fit tightly around your waist as they put pressure on the abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter.
Raise the level of the head of your bed
Try to raise the head end of your bed 5 to 6 inches to elevate your body from the waist up. Remember just raising the head of your body is not enough, you should raise the level of the bed for the best results.
Do not sleep on your right side
Sleeping on your right side may worsen reflux symptoms at night. Try resting on your left side as it will make you more comfortable.
Samadhan Clinic has the best gastroenterologist in Delhi for the treatment of GERD. Dr. Shri Ram Agarwal who has +20years experience as the gastroenterologist in Delhi treated many of the patient who has GERD problem.
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