What is GERD

By: Max Bellamy

You've been looking forward to that pizza with extra cheese and some sparkling soda to wash it down with, but after eating just one slice you feel a strange burning sensation in your chest and throat.

You might be surprised but persistent heartburn is one of the surefire symptoms of gastroesophageal disease or GERD which affects a large section of the American population irrespective of gender or social status.

GERD is a disorder that occurs as a result of stomach acid moving backwards into the esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube which connects the mouth to the stomach and at the lower end of this tube is a valve known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When this LES malfunctions, for various reasons such as obesity which may weaken the muscle, then the stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus and causes the burning sensation recognized as heartburn. While heartburn is a common occurrence in most people, some people who have a higher incidence of recurrence (up to two or more times a week) may have GERD. Over time the acid refluxed into the stomach destroys the lining of the esophagus, resulting in inflammation and pain. Persistent GERD, if left untreated can permanently damage the esophagus and cause Barret?s Esophagus which can eventually lead to cancer.

There are no ascertained facts as to why people get GERD but some contributing factors are supposed to be the use of alcohol, obesity, pregnancy , smoking and partaking of certain foods such as citrus fruits, chocolates, caffeine drinks, fatty and fried foods, garlic and onions, mint flavorings, spicy foods and tomato based foods like spaghetti sauce, chili and pizza.

In some people a hiatal hernia is to blame. The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn but some of the other symptoms include stomach pain, chest pain, chronic cough, persistent sore throat or laryngitis and painful swallowing to list a few.

Diagnosis can include biopsies, esophageal acid testing (most accurate but also most obtrusive) and, the most common, an endoscopy (wherein a tube is swallowed so that the doctor can see what is going on inside the body).

Mild symptoms of GERD can be alleviated by adopting lifestyle changes such as avoiding late meals, avoiding reflux-inducing foods, losing weight, avoid wearing tight fitting garments, raising the head of the bed six to eight inches, eating smaller meals and quitting smoking. Moderate to severe GERD symptoms may have to be combated with prescription medicines that work on decreasing stomach acid production. Proton Pump Inhibitors are quite popular with the patients as they seem to provide ample relief.

Medications cannot cure GERD and only offer relief from the symptoms and prevent damage to the esophagus. The last resort for severe cases of GERD would be surgery which includes both open and laparoscopic.

Taking stock of the situation with your doctor?s assistance and taking steps to prevent the recurrence of symptoms is an easier way of taming the fire, than having to succumb to a lifetime ruled by GERD.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

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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