What a GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive tract that affects the muscle ring between your esophagus and your stomach. This ring is called the low esophageal sphincter (LES). If you do, you may experience heartburn or digest acidic foods. Doctors think that some people may have it because of a condition called hiatal hernia. In many cases, you can reduce your GERD symptoms by changing your diet and lifestyle. But some people may need medication or surgery.

GERD issues

The term Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus. Reflux means flowing back or forward. Gastroesophageal reflux is when your stomach returns to your throat.

In normal digestion, your LES opens up to allow food to enter your stomach. Then stop eating acidic foods and juices that do not flow back to your goal. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when LES is weak or relaxed when inappropriate. This allows the contents of the stomach to flow up into the esophagus.

Risks of GERD

More than 60 million American adults have heartburn at least once a month, and more than 15 million adults develop heartburn every day, including many pregnant women. Recent research suggests that GERD in infants and children is more common than previously thought. It can cause vomiting that occurs repeatedly. It can cause coughing and other respiratory problems.

Some doctors believe that genital hernia may weaken LES and increase your chances of gastroesophageal reflux. A genital hernia occurs when the upper part of your abdomen rises to the chest through a small hole in your diaphragm (diaphragmatic hiatus). The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the stomach from the chest. Recent research shows that the opening of the diaphragm helps to support the lower part of the throat.

Most people with genital hernias will not have heart problems or reflux. But having a hiatal hernia may allow the contents of the abdomen to easily return to the throat.

Coughing, vomiting, strenuous exercise, or sudden exercise may increase the pressure on your abdomen and cause a genital hernia. Most healthy people 50 years of age and older are younger. Although usually a middle-aged condition, genital hernia affects people of all ages.

A genital hernia usually does not require treatment. But it may be necessary if the hernia is at risk of constriction, or twisting in a way that interferes with blood supply. You may also need treatment if you have severe GERD or esophagitis (inflammation of the throat). Your doctor may perform surgery to reduce or eliminate the hernia.

Many other things can make it easier for you to have GERD

Obesity or overweight

Pregnancy

Delayed abortion (gastroparesis)

Tissue-related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or lupus

Diet and lifestyle choices can make acid reflux worse if you already have it

Smoking

• Certain foods and beverages, including chocolate and fatty or fried foods, coffee, and alcohol
• Delicious food
• Eat immediately before bed
• Certain medications, including aspirin

Symptoms of GERD

The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn (acid indigestion). It usually feels like a burning pain that starts in the back of your chest and extends to the neck and throat. Many people say that it sounds like food is returning to the mouth, leaving an acid or a bitter taste.

Burning, pressure, or heartburn can take up to 2 hours. It usually gets worse after a meal. Lying down or bending over may cause heartburn. Most people feel better when they stand up straight or take an antacid that releases acid into the throat.

People sometimes make the mistake of heartburn like heartburn or heart disease, but there is a difference. Exercise can increase the risk of heart disease, and rest may provide relief. Heartburn pain is less likely to be related to physical activity. But you cannot tell the difference, so seek medical attention immediately if you have chest pains.

Without pain, you can have it

Nausea

An evil spirit

Breathing hard

Hard time to swallow

Vomiting

Wear it without its tooth enamel

A lump in your throat

If you have acid reflux at night, you may have it

Continuous cough

Laryngitis

Asthma that occurs suddenly or becomes very severe

Sleep problems

GERD treatment and home remedies

GERD treatment is aimed at reducing the amount of reflux or reducing the damage from reflux to the esophagus.

Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter or over-the-counter medications to treat your symptoms.

Antacids These medicines can help reduce acidity in the esophagus and stomach and prevent heartburn. Many people find that uncontrolled antacids provide temporary or partial relief. An antacid combined with a blister helps other people. Researchers speculate that these compounds create a barrier in the stomach that prevents acid reflux.

But prolonged use of antacids can lead to side effects, including diarrhea, changes in calcium metabolism (changes in weight loss and calcium intake), and an increase in magnesium in the body. Too much magnesium can be harmful to people with kidney disease. If you need antacids for more than 2 weeks, talk to your doctor.

H2 blockers For chronic reflux and heartburn, your doctor may recommend a stomach acid remedy. These drugs include H2 blockers, which help prevent stomach acid release. H2 inhibitors include cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), and nizatidine.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) Also known as acid pumps, these drugs block the proteins needed to make stomach acid. PPIs include dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), omeprazole sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid), Zegerid pantoprazole (Protonix) , and rabeprazole (Aciphex).

Prokinetics In rare cases, these drugs help your stomach empty quickly so that you do not have too much acid left behind.