GERD is the medical term for what can only be described as an uncomfortably penetrating feeling known as acid reflux. It is basically a condition where the stomach contents find their way back up into the esophagus for no good reason and cause irritation, often leading to chronic discomfort. Although it usually affects adults, do not be surprised; infants and children may also fall prey to this very common malady.
Picture this: a delicious feast, copious and smelling, followed all of a sudden by the discomforting feeling in the chest. Acid reflux has this tendency to appear uninvited after a bulky meal, especially when one’s body is flopped down for a nap. Be it from postpregnancy changes, certain food indulgences, or simply reclining shortly after eating, acid reflux can be an occasional guest in many people’s lives.
The term heartburn is commonly used interchangeably with acid reflux-a burning discomfort in the chest that may leave one feeling like molten lava is making its way up your throat. This sensation is hallmark in acid reflux and much more than just a nuisance. Other symptoms include chronic coughing, changes to your voice, whispers of hoarseness, recurrent earaches, or even sinus issues. However, acid reflux has more serious dangers than mere discomfort: with long exposure, it may lead to esophageal ulcers; in extreme measures, it could even pave the way for esophageal cancer.
Many people have casual bouts of heartburn, but not every incident deserves the diagnosis of GERD. The line in the sand is crossed when heartburn reverberates more than once a week, raising red flags-it’s a possible development of GERD.
The root causes of GERD often have to do with increased production of gastric acid, obesity, and yes, even tight clothes. All these factors can contribute to the brewing storm of acid reflux. Surprisingly enough, even low stomach acid can bring on GERD-like symptoms. As it would be, the body’s valve-the gateway between the stomach and the esophagus-plays a key role. When it doesn’t work too well, it can allow the contents of the stomach to creep back up into the esophagus with some very undesirable irritation.
Not to worry! There are many ways through which the suffering victims of GERD can seek relief. Improvement in eating can be a fine beginning. Many sufferers have obtained relief and cure through diet modification. The patient can avoid triggers of heartburn, such as caffeine, carbonation, and tobacco, to lessen symptoms. Also, one should not eat food at least two hours before going to bed and should not lie down immediately after eating-this small precaution can make quite a difference.
In addition to these dietary changes, elevation of the head of the bed is a relief for many. A simple elevation of six to eight inches can prevent the backflow of gastric juice down the esophagus and allow comfortable sleep. This, in conjunction with the two-hour abstinence from food before retiring, can result in as high a relief rate as 95 percent for many sufferers of GERD.
Other pharmacological options are also available. Other prescriptions like famotidine (Pepcid) and omeprazole reduce gastric acid secretion and are, therefore, very useful in the fight against acid reflux. Antacids can quickly relieve by neutralizing the acid that wreaks havoc on the esophagus.
For patients whose symptoms do not resolve with these interventions, surgery can reduce the cyclic discomfort. One common surgical approach to treating GERD is the Nissen fundoplication, which improves this sphincter muscle-that is, the important barrier to acid reflux. Not only does this improve the core issue, but it also will help correct a hiatal hernia, if present.
In all, though GERD may be an unsolicited traveling partner in one’s life, the knowledge of its mechanisms and possible treatments can provide the comforts and easement so desired by many. Be it through diet, elevation of the body, medication, or a surgical route, there is surefire hope ahead for acid reflux sufferers.
