Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by frequent and persistent heartburn, regurgitation, and other symptoms caused by the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Let's discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatments of GERD to help you better understand this condition and how to manage it!
Symptoms of GERD: The most common symptoms include:
Heartburn: a burning sensation in the chest that often occurs after eating
Regurgitation: the sensation of acid backing up into the throat or mouth
Chest pain: a burning or tightness in the chest
Difficulty swallowing: the sensation of food sticking in the throat
Hoarseness: a change in the voice due to acid reflux into the voice box
Coughing: especially at night
Bad breath: caused by the reflux of stomach contents into the mouth
Causes of GERD: The causes of GERD are complex and multifactorial. Some of the most common factors that contribute to the development of GERD include:
Lifestyle factors: such as overeating, eating large meals, eating before bedtime, and lying down soon after eating
Obesity: excess weight puts pressure on the stomach and can force acid into the esophagus
Pregnancy: hormonal changes and increased pressure on the stomach can cause GERD symptoms
Smoking: nicotine relaxes the muscle that keeps stomach acid in the stomach, allowing acid to reflux into the esophagus
Hiatal hernia: a condition in which the upper part of the stomach bulges into the chest through a weak spot in the diaphragm
Certain medications: such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and some muscle relaxers
Treatments for GERD Treatment for GERD depends on the severity and frequency of symptoms. Lifestyle modifications include:
Losing weight
Avoiding triggers like caffeine, chocolate, spicy foods, food with high fat content, carbonated beverages, and peppermint
Eating smaller meals and avoiding eating two-three hours prior to bedtime
Elevated the head of your bed
Promotion of salivation through oral lozenges/chewing gum to neutralize refluxed acid and increase the rate of esophageal acid clearance
Avoidance of tobacco and alcohol
Medication options include over-the-counter antacids like Tums which can neutralize stomach acid and provide temporary relief. In more severe cases, prescription medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole or H2 receptor blockers like Pepcid (famotidine) can be prescribed to reduce the production of stomach acid. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to correct a hiatal hernia or to strengthen the muscle that keeps stomach acid in the stomach.
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