A Physician’s Guide to GERD

Have you ever felt as if food is stuck in your throat? Or maybe a burp jammed somewhere in the food pipe with the prominent discomfort arising in the stomach and as well as in the throat? Well, in this case, you are most likely to have GERD, and this is the exact time when you need to see a doctor.

GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when acid from the stomach flows back to the esophagus. This acid reflux can cause irritation in the esophagus (food pipe) eventually leading you to have problems in eating and swallowing.

What causes GERD?

The sphincter (round band of muscle), covering the lower end of the esophagus, relaxes in order to pass food or liquid to the stomach whenever anything is swallowed, and after swallowing the sphincter closes. However, if the sphincter closes or relaxes abnormally, acid reflux occurs which can lead to the inflammation of the esophagus.

It is indispensable to note that everybody experiences acid reflux and heartburn at some point of life, but experiencing this state more than twice a week is an explicit indication of having a GERD.

Symptoms

Different people are affected differently by GERD. However, the most common symptoms include,

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to consult a doctor before GERD worsens the body condition. You are likely to be recommended a proper treatment plan after a detailed examination. Moreover, a few lifestyle changes can help you battle GERD.

Avoid certain types of food e.g. fried food, alcohol, chocolate, garlic, and caffeine, etc. as they could trigger your acid reflux 

GERD is absolutely curable, the only thing that matters is that you consult a doctor at the proper time. Since the stomach is one of the important organs of the body, its disturbance can affect your overall health in bad ways. As it is said,

“Health is like money; we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it.”

(Josh Billings)