A disease called GERD affects millions of people around the world. It is marked by stomach acid moving back into the esophagus, which is painful and irritating. If you don’t fix this problem, it can last long and cause long-term damage.
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is the muscle that controls the flow of food and stomach acid into the stomach. GERD is usually caused by an LES that is weak or not working right. If the LES doesn’t close properly, stomach acid can run back into the esophagus. This can lead to heartburn, chest pain, and trouble eating.
GERD can make a person’s quality of life very bad, in addition to making them physically uncomfortable. Acid reflux that happens often can make it hard to sleep, make it hard to do daily things, and even cause worry and sadness.
GERD can be treated in several ways, such as by making changes to your lifestyle, taking medicine, or having surgery. Avoiding foods that make your symptoms worse, losing weight, and giving up smoking are all changes that can help lower your symptoms.
GERD can also be controlled with medicines like antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. In the worst cases, surgery may be needed to make the LES stronger and stop acid reflux.
In general, GERD is a condition that shouldn’t be ignored or written off as a slight bother. You can control your symptoms and improve your life with the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Several Symptoms
GERD can lead to several symptoms, such as:
Stomach pain
Reflux of acid
Having food or drink come back up
Having trouble eating
Pain in the chest
Dry cough
Puffing up
Sore throat
Throat hurts
Being hoarse
Attacks of asthma
Tooth erosion
How bad GERD symptoms are for each person can be different. Some people may only have slight symptoms, while others may have severe symptoms that make it hard for them to go about their daily lives.
If you have any signs of GERD, you should see a doctor immediately to get an evaluation and a treatment plan. You can get better from GERD. There are a few things you can do to control your symptoms and keep problems from happening.
Food and Life Choices
Here are some ways to deal with the signs of GERD:
Stay away from foods and drinks that make your conditions worse. Foods that are spicy, fatty, acidic, or contain coffee and booze are common causes.
Throughout the day, eat small meals often.
When you sleep, put your head and shoulders up.
Is your weight too high or too low? Lose weight.
Give up smoking.
Do what your doctor tells you to do with over-the-counter or prescription drugs.
Please talk to your doctor about GERD if you have any questions or cares.
