Overview
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as chronic acid reflux, is a condition in which the throat, the tube that connects your esophagus to your stomach, regularly gets inflamed by acid-containing stomach contents.When reflux occurs in regular, severe symptoms or pain, it becomes a disease. The oesophagus, throat, or respiratory tract might suffer harm from reflux.The majority of people may control their GERD symptoms by making lifestyle modifications and using medications. Even though it's rare, some people may require surgery to relieve their symptoms.
Symptoms & Causes of Gerd
Heartburn, which is characterised as a burning sensation in the chest and regurgitation of sour or bitter liquid into the mouth or throat, is the primary symptom of GERD. As heartburn and regurgitation go hand in hand so frequently, formal testing might not be necessary.
Typical (GERD) warning signs and symptoms include:
- Non-burning chest pain that typically radiates to the back from the centre of the chest.
- Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest that typically occurs after eating and may be worse at night or while you're lying down.
- Vomiting of sour liquids or food is known as backwash.
- chest discomfort or upper abdominal ache.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
- Feeling of having a lump in your throat.
- A lung inflammation.
- The vocal chords being inflamed (laryngitis).
- Asthma flare-ups or additional ones.
- Breathing difficulty.
Diagnosis and tests
Generally your provider can tell if you have basic acid reflux (not chronic) by discussing with you about your symptoms and medical history. You can discuss treating your symptoms with your doctor using food and medication.
Your healthcare professional might suggest getting evaluated for GERD if these techniques don't work. GERD tests include:
- Biopsy and upper gastrointestinal GI endoscopy.
- Upper GI series:Your upper GI tract's X-rays reveal any GERD-related issues.
- Esophageal pH, impedance, and Bravo wireless esophageal pH monitoring.
- Manometry of the oesophagus.
- Has a poor weight gain or struggles to thrive.
- Has cyanosis, which is a bluish or purplish colouring of the skin brought on by inadequate blood oxygenation, or chokes episodes.
- Increased irritation is felt.
- Severe vomiting and dehydration are experienced.
Method of treatment
If you have GERD and asthma, treating your GERD will help you manage the symptoms of asthma. According to studies, those who have GERD with asthma report fewer asthma symptoms after getting their acid condition under control.
Method No.1: You should start by experimenting with dietary or life cycle adjustments.
- Raise the bed's head by 6 to 8 inches.
- Reduce weight.
- Quit smoking.
- Reduce alcohol consumption.
- Reduce meal size and stay away from large nighttime meals.
- Avoid lying down for two to three hours after eating.
- Reduce your caffeine intake.
- Don't use theophylline (if possible).
Which foods you should stay away from if you have GERD symptoms?
- Acidic foods include tomatoes and citrus fruits
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocolate
- Coffee as well as other caffeinated beverages
- Fattening foods
- Mint
- Spicy food
- High trigger food
Method No.2: Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.
- Antacids
- H2 blockers
- proton pump inhibitor (PPIs)
- Other medicine:Your doctor may suggest different medications if antacids, H2 blockers, and PPIs don't help your symptoms.
Method No.3: Surgery and other therapeutic interventions.
- Funfoplication
- Bariatric Surgery
- Endoscopy
outlook / prognosis
What's the prognosis for GERD?
The GERD symptoms are treatable. You should be able to reduce your GERD symptoms to a reasonable level if you modify your dietary and sleep schedules and use medications as necessary.
When should I make a call to my doctor?
Call your doctor if you experience heartburn or acid reflux more than twice per week over a period of many weeks, are taking antacids and heartburn medications frequently, and your symptoms keep coming back.
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