Severe GERD Symptoms

At least once a month, approximately 44% of the 61 million adults residing in the United States suffer heartburn, the trademark characteristic of acid reflux. In a majority of cases, there is no severe or lasting damage, although in some cases, chronic heartburn, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may result in serious complications such as esophagitis, peptic strictures, ulcers, laryngeal disease, chronic cough, asthma, Barrett?s esophagus, and adenocarcinoma.

GERD is more often than not a result of an irregularity of function or a problem in the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which lets the stomach contents to reflux or back up into the esophagus. Severe GERD is a widespread, persistent, recurring situation in which the sufferer continues to have acid backing up even while taking acid suppression therapy.

Warning signs and symptoms that may imply severe GERD or its complications comprise iron deficiency anemia, dysphagia, early satiety, gastro intestinal bleeding, odynophagia, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, choking, and chest pain. A thorough physical examination and a look at the medical history of the patient are required to help ascertain the identification of severe GERD.

The aim in dealing with severe GERD is to relieve the symptoms and cure any lesions. Even during treatment for severe GERD, the patient should work towards controlling causative factors such as diet and obesity.

Chronic severe GERD can result in serious complications such as esophagitis, peptic strictures, ulcers, and Barrett?s esophagus, which can in due course develop into esophageal adenocarcinoma. To determine which treatment would be most advantageous, the physician should discuss pharmacologic therapy versus surgery with the patient, the gastroenterologist, and perhaps a surgeon.

There are number of options out there to alleviate and cure severe GERD and the earlier treatment is started the better chances there are for curing or at the very least containing the condition.

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GERD provides detailed information on GERD, GERD Symptoms, GERD Diets, GERD Treatments and more. GERD is affiliated with Acid Reflux Disease.

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