ACID REFLUX AND GERD: SYMPTOMS, TREATMENTS, AND COMPLICATIONS
Acid reflux happens when substances from your stomach withdraw into your oesophagus. This action is additionally called acid regurgitation or oesophagal reflux.
If you’ve got symptoms of acid reflux quite twice every week, you would possibly have a condition referred to as oesophagal reflux disease (GERD).
The National Institute of Digestive and Diabetes and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)Trusted Source states that GERD affects about 20% of individuals. If left untreated, it can occasionally cause complications.
GERD SYMPTOMS
The primary symptom of GERD is acid reflux. Acid reflux can create an uncomfortable burning feeling in your chest, which may move up into your neck and throat. This sense is usually referred to as heartburn.
If you’ve had acid reflux, you could develop a sour or bitter taste at the rear of your mouth. It’d also provoke the regurgitation of food or liquid from your stomach into your mouth.
Some other symptoms of GERD include:
- nausea
- chest pain
- chronic cough
- a hoarse voice
- bad breath
- pain when swallowing
- difficulty swallowing
GERD TREATMENT OPTIONS
To manage and alleviate symptoms of GERD, your doctor might encourage you to form specific lifestyle changes, like:
- maintaining a moderate weight, if applicable
- halting smoking; if you smoke
- avoiding big, heavy suppers in the evening
- waiting a couple of hours after eating to lie
- elevating your head during sleep (by raising the top of your bed 6-8 inches)
MEDICATION
Your doctor may additionally suggest taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications like those listed below. Those medications can cause side effects, so talk with your doctor about which option is the best for you.
- Antacids: Antacids like Tums are typically used for infrequent and mild acid reflux and GERD symptoms. But if you discover you’re taking antacids almost daily, you’ll need a more vital medication.
- H2 receptor blockers: H2 blockers such as Pepcid AC work to lower the quantity of acid your stomach makes. Many H2 blockers are available OTC, while larger doses of those medicines also can be prescribed.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs like Prilosec also lower the quantity of acid your stomach makes. Because they tend to figure better than H2 blockers, they’re more helpful when it involves healing the oesophagal lining.
THE PROBLEM WITH HOME REMEDIES FOR GERD
Some individuals might like to start with home remedies to treat their heartburn. While specific home remedies may help when it involves occasional bouts of acid reflux, if you’ve been diagnosed with GERD, you’re presumably handling a chronic issue.
Lifestyle changes can sometimes ease chronic health issues and need quiet medical intervention.
DIAGNOSING GERD
If your doctor suspects you might have GERD, they’ll conduct a physical exam and ask about any symptoms you’ve been experiencing.
The doctor must refer you to a gastroenterologist or may conduct specific tests themselves, including:
- Ambulatory 24-hour pH probe
- Oesophagal X-ray imaging
- Upper endoscopy
- Oesophageal manometry
- Oesophageal pH monitoring
SURGERY FOR GERD
In some cases, medications and lifestyle changes are enough to stop and relieve symptoms of GERD. But sometimes, surgery is required.
Multiple sorts of surgery are available to treat GERD, including:
- Fundoplication
- Bariatric surgery
GERD VS HEARTBURN
It’s essential to distinguish between occasional heartburn (which might not necessitate medical intervention) and GERD.
Most people suffer heartburn occasionally, and occasional heartburn isn’t a cause for concern.
GERD CAUSES
While there’s no single explanation for GERD, there’s a mechanism in your body that — when not functioning correctly — can increase the likelihood of it.
Other possible causes include the following:
- Hiatal hernia
- Frequently eating large meals
RISK FACTORS FOR GERD
Lifestyle choices and certain health factors make a diagnosis more likely. These include:
- living with obesity
- being pregnant
- smoking
- eating large meals
- drinking certain beverages (soda, coffee, alcohol)
ALCOHOL AND GERD
Alcohol consumption and GERD are connected in many studies, and it looks like the more alcohol you drink, the higher the likelihood of developing GERD.
DIETARY TRIGGERS FOR GERD
Folks diagnosed with GERD find that particular foods and beverages can trigger their symptoms. They include:
- high-fat foods
- citrus fruits and juices
- tomatoes and tomato sauces
- coffee
- soda
GERD AND OTHER CONDITIONS
GERD symptoms can sometimes be exacerbated by other conditions like anxiety, IBS, asthma, and pregnancy.
GERD IN INFANTS
It’s normal for babies to vomit and spit up blood sometimes. But if your baby is vomiting or spitting up blood frequently, they could have GERD.
Other symptoms include:
- refusal to eat
- difficulty sleeping
- weight loss or poor growth
POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS OF GERD
In most people, GERD doesn’t cause severe complications. But in uncommon cases, it can cause severe or life-threatening health problems, including:
- esophagitis
- oesophagal cancer
- tooth enamel erosion
TAKEAWAY
If you experience occasional heartburn very often, it is normal.
If you find yourself experiencing heartburn twice every week, consult a doctor to develop the right treatment plan.