Occasional feelings of heartburn are normal, but if a person suffers from heartburn frequently, the heartburn could actually be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD. A gastroenterologist can help get relief.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease often starts out as gastric reflux. Gastric reflux is caused by the sphincter muscle between your esophagus and stomach not closing properly. The incomplete closure of the muscle allows stomach acid to back up into your esophagus/oral cavity /lung, causing the burning sensation known as heartburn.
Acid reflux can grow worse over time, developing into a chronic condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Signs and symptoms of GERD include:
Typical symptoms:
● Heartburn
● Reflux
● Chest pain
● Difficulty in swallowing
Atypical symptoms:
● Upper abdominal pain
● Nausea, bloating, belching
● Chronic cough, Asthma
● A sour taste and bad breath
● Eroding tooth enamel which causes sensitive teeth
● Throat clearing ,Laryngitis
Risk factors for GERD include obesity, smoking, regular alcohol consumption, increased age. spicy foods, can also aggravate the symptoms of GERD.
Treatment options for GERD include lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods and losing weight, as well as over-the-counter and prescription medications. Antacids and acid-blocking medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can help to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the valve between the stomach and
esophagus.
It’s important for people with GERD to manage their symptoms to prevent complications such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous condition), and esophageal cancer. If a person is experiencing symptoms of GERD, it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
In summary, GERD is a chronic condition caused by the stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. If you are suffering moderate to severe signs and symptoms of GERD, it’s best to visit your gastroenterologist for treatment. GERD is typically diagnosed with an endoscopy. The endoscopy can help identify irritated, inflamed, or ulcerated tissue due to GERD. The gastroenterologist can prescribe
medication to reduce stomach acid, soothe esophageal irritation, and heal ulcerated tissue.
Relief for the uncomfortable symptoms of GERD is just a phone call away. To find out more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of GERD, call our Gastroenterologist at Archana Hospital for accurate diagnosis and treatment if required.
