Contents
- 0.1 What is GERD (acid reflux)?
- 0.2 How common is GERD (acid reflux)?
- 0.3 What are the symptoms of GERD (acid reflux)?
- 0.4 BOOK CONSULTATION WITH FOR GERD (ACID REFLUX) TREATMENT WITH THE BEST GASTROENTEROLOGIST NOW
- 0.5 BOOK CONSULTATION WITH FOR GERD (ACID REFLUX) TREATMENT WITH THE BEST GASTROENTEROLOGIST NOW
- 0.6 How do I prevent symptoms of GERD (acid reflux)?
- 0.7 What foods should I avoid if I have GERD (acid reflux)?
- 0.8 What foods should I avoid if I have GERD (acid reflux)?
- 0.9 TO BOOK CONSULTATION WITH THE BEST GASTROENTEROLOGIST IN RAIPUR NOW
- 1 Vidya hospital and kidney centre
What is GERD (acid reflux)?
GERD is a condition in which acid-containing contents in your stomach persistently leak back up into your oesophagus, the tube from your throat to your stomach. Acid reflux happens because a valve at the end of your oesophagus, the lower oesophageal sphincter, doesn’t close properly when food arrives at your stomach. Acid backwash then flows back up through your oesophagus into your throat and mouth, giving you a sour taste.
What is heartburn?
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. It’s a painful burning sensation in the middle of your chest caused by irritation to the lining of the oesophagus caused by stomach acid. This burning can come on anytime but is often worse after eating. For many people heartburn worsens when they recline or lie in bed, which makes it hard to get a good night’s sleep.
How common is GERD (acid reflux)?
GERD is very common. Anyone of any age can develop GERD, but some may be more at risk for it. For example, the chances you’ll have some form of GERD (mild or severe) increase after age 40.
You’re also more likely to have it if you’re:
- Overweight or obese.
- Smoking or are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke.
- Taking certain medications that may cause acid reflux.
What causes acid reflux?
Acid reflux is caused by weakness or relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter (valve). Normally this valve closes tightly after food enters your stomach. If it relaxes when it shouldn’t, your stomach contents rise back up into the oesophagus.
- Common causes of acid reflux
- Too much pressure on the abdomen. Some pregnant women experience heartburn almost daily because of this increased pressure.
- Particular types of food (for example, dairy, spicy or fried foods) and eating habits.
- Medications that include medicines for asthma, high blood pressure, allergies, painkillers, sedatives and anti-depressants.
- A hiatal hernia. The upper part of the stomach bulges into the diaphragm, getting in the way of normal intake of food.
What are the symptoms of GERD (acid reflux)?
- Regurgitation (food comes back into your mouth from the esophagus).
- The feeling of food caught in your throat.
- Chest pain.
- Problem swallowing.
- Sore throat and hoarseness.
BOOK CONSULTATION WITH FOR GERD (ACID REFLUX) TREATMENT WITH THE BEST GASTROENTEROLOGIST NOW
How do I know I’m having heartburn and not a heart attack?
Chest pain caused by heartburn may make you afraid you’re having a heart attack. Heartburn has nothing to do with your heart, but since the discomfort is in your chest it may be hard to know the difference while it’s going on. But symptoms of a heart attack are different than heartburn. Heartburn is that uncomfortable burning feeling or pain in your chest that can move up to your neck and throat. A heart attack can cause pain in the arms, neck and jaw, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, extreme fatigue and anxiety, among other symptoms.
Can GERD (acid reflux) cause asthma?
We don’t know the exact relationship between GERD and asthma. More than 75% of people with asthma have GERD. They are twice as likely to have GERD as people without asthma. GERD may make asthma symptoms worse, and asthma drugs may make GERD worse. But treating GERD often helps to relieve asthma symptoms. The symptoms of GERD can injure the lining of the throat, airways and lungs, making breathing difficult and causing a persistent cough, which may suggest a link.
Is GERD dangerous or life-threatening?
- GERD isn’t life-threatening or dangerous in itself. But long-term GERD can lead to more serious health problems such as –
- Esophagitis: Esophagitis is the irritation and inflammation the stomach acid causes in the lining of the oesophagus. Esophagitis can cause ulcers in your oesophagus, heartburn, chest pain, bleeding and trouble swallowing.
- Barrett’s oesophagus: Barrett’s oesophagus is a condition that develops in people (who have long-term GERD. The damage acid reflux can cause over years can change the cells in the lining of the oesophagus.
- Strictures: Sometimes the damaged lining of the oesophagus becomes scarred, causing narrowing of the oesophagus. These strictures can interfere with eating and drinking by preventing food and liquid from reaching the stomach.
- Oesophageal cancer
How is GERD (acid reflux) diagnosed?
- Upper gastrointestinal GI endoscopy and biopsy: Your doctor feeds an endoscope (a long tube with a light attached) through your mouth and throat to look at the lining of your upper GI tract (esophagus and stomach and duodenum). The doctor also cuts out a small bit of tissue (biopsy) to examine for GERD or other problems.
- Esophageal manometry: A manometry tests the functionality of lower esophageal sphincter and esophageal muscles to move food normally from the esophagus to the stomach. Your provider inserts a small flexible tube with sensors into your nose. These sensors measure the strength of your sphincter, muscles and spasms as you swallow.
BOOK CONSULTATION WITH FOR GERD (ACID REFLUX) TREATMENT WITH THE BEST GASTROENTEROLOGIST NOW
What medications do I take to manage the symptoms of GERD (acid reflux)?
Proton pump inhibitors (stronger acid blockers that also help heal damaged oesophagus tissue) Baclofen is a prescription drug used to reduce the relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter which allows acid backwash.
Is there surgery to treat GERD (acid reflux)?
GERD is usually controlled with medications and lifestyle changes (like eating habits). If these don’t work, or if you can’t take medications for an extended period, surgery may be a solution. Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (or Nissen fundoplication) is the standard surgical treatment. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that fixes your acid reflux by creating a new valve mechanism at the bottom of your oesophagus. The surgeon wraps the upper part of the stomach (the fundus) around the lower portion of the oesophagus. This reinforces the lower oesophageal sphincter so food won’t reflux back into the oesophagus.
How do I prevent symptoms of GERD (acid reflux)?
- Here are 10 tips to help prevent GERD symptoms:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat small, frequent meals
- Reduce fat by decreasing the amount of butter, oils, salad dressings, gravy and fatty meats
- Sit upright while eating and stay upright (sitting or standing) for 45 to 60 minutes afterward.
- Avoid eating before bedtime. Wait at least three hours after eating to go to bed.
- Try not to wear clothes that are tight in the belly area.
- When sleeping, raise the head of the bed 6 to 8 inches, using wooden blocks under the bedposts. Extra pillows don’t work.
- Stop smoking.
What foods should I avoid if I have GERD (acid reflux)?
- Spicy foods.
- Fried foods.
- Fatty (including dairy) foods.
- Tomato sauces.
- Garlic and onions.
- Alcohol, coffee and carbonated drinks.
- Citrus fruits.
What is the outlook for GERD (acid reflux)?
You can control the symptoms of GERD. If you adjust your eating and sleeping habits and take medications when needed, you should be able to get your GERD symptoms to a manageable level.
When should I visit my doctor?
If you experience acid reflux/heartburn more than twice a week over a period of several weeks, constantly take heartburn and antacids and your symptoms keep returning, call your doctor.
What foods should I avoid if I have GERD (acid reflux)?
- Spicy foods.
- Fried foods.
- Fatty (including dairy) foods.
- Tomato sauces.
- Garlic and onions.
- Alcohol, coffee and carbonated drinks.
- Citrus fruits.
TO BOOK CONSULTATION WITH THE BEST GASTROENTEROLOGIST IN RAIPUR NOW
Vidya hospital and kidney centre
Address: Shankar nagar Main road, Raipur(CG)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 9111181250, 07714281198,9827197924