What is gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD)?
Reflux means that stomach acid and juices flow from the stomach back up into
the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach (oesophagus). This causes
heartburn when you have heartburn at least 2 times a week; it is called
gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
Eating too much or bending forward after eating sometimes causes heartburn and
a sour taste in the mouth. But having heartburn from time to time doesn't mean
you have GERD. With GERD, the reflux—and heartburn—last longer and come more
often. If this happens to you, it is important to treat it, because GERD can
cause ulcers and damage to the oesophagus.
Causes for GERD
Normally when you swallow your food, it travels down the food pipe (oesophagus)
to a valve that opens to let the food pass into the stomach and then closes.
With GERD, the valve doesn't close tightly enough. Stomach acid and juices flow
from the stomach and back up (reflux) into the oesophagus.
Symptoms for GERD
The main symptom of GERD is heartburn. It may
feel like a burning, warmth, or pain just behind the breastbone. It is also
common to have symptoms at night when you are trying to sleep.
If you have pain behind your breastbone, it is
important to make sure it is not caused by a problem with your heart. The
burning sensation caused by GERD usually occurs after you eat. Pain from the
heart usually feels like pressure, heaviness, weight, tightness, squeezing,
discomfort, or a dull ache. It occurs most often after you are active.
GERD diagnosis
Ø First, your doctor will
do a physical exam and ask you questions about your health. You may or may not
need further tests. Your doctor may just treat your symptoms by prescribing
medicines that reduce or block stomach acid. These include H2 blockers (for
example, Pepcid) or proton pump inhibitors (for example, Prilosec). If your
heartburn goes away after you take the medicine, your doctor will likely
diagnose GERD.
Ø In some cases doctors do
tests to be sure that you have GERD or to look for other problems.
Ø Endoscopy is a test that
lets the doctor look at the inside of your oesophagus and stomach through a
tiny camera in a thin, flexible, lighted tube (endoscope).
Ø Oesophagus testing is a
group of tests that check the condition of the oesophagus and how well it
works.
Ø An upper gastrointestinal
serious helps your doctor examine the upper part of your digestive system.
These X-rays can show other health problems that may be causing your symptoms.
Treatment for GERD
For mild symptoms of GERD, over-the-counter medicines. These
include H2 blockers (for example, Pepcid) or a proton pump inhibitor (for
example, Prilosec OTC). Changing your diet, losing weight, and making other
lifestyle changes can also help. For severe symptoms of GERD, your doctor may
prescribe medicine along with lifestyle changes.
Your doctor may recommend surgery if medicine doesn't work or if
you can't take it because of the side effects. For example, fundoplication
surgery strengthens the valve between the oesophagus and stomach. But many
people continue to need some medicine even after surgery.
GERD is common in pregnant women. It doesn't usually cause problems
or harm the baby (foetus). Pregnant women with GERD can take antacids to treat
their symptoms, but they should talk to their doctors before using other
medicines. Some medicines may not be safe to take during pregnancy. Most of the
time, symptoms get better after the baby is born.
Usually allopathic medicine have limited role to control GERD,
Symptomatic HOMOEOPATHIC
MEDICINES works well for GERD
Manage GERD
Many people with GERD have it for the rest of their lives. You
may need to take medicine for many years to help control the symptoms. But
making certain lifestyle changes can also help.
Here are some tips that may help your symptoms:
- Quit smoking or using tobacco.
- After eating, wait 2 to 3 hours
before you lie down.
- Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8
inches by putting blocks under the frame or a foam wedge under the head of
the mattress.
- If you are overweight, lose
weight. Even losing a small amount of weight can help.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes around
your waist and midsection. This puts less pressure on the stomach.
- Try to eat smaller meals more
often, and avoid any foods that make you feel worse.
- Use chewing gum or hard candies to
increase the amount of saliva your mouth produces. Saliva washes stomach
juices out of the oesophagus into the stomach and can control stomach
acid.
Are you suffering with GERD
For More details Please contact
Whom to contact for GERD Treatment
Dr.Senthil
Kumar Treats many cases of gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), In his
medical professional experience with successful results. Many patients get
relief after taking treatment from Dr.Senthil Kumar. Dr.Senthil Kumar
visits Chennai at Vivekanantha Homeopathy Clinic, Velachery, Chennai 42. To get
appointment please call 9786901830, +91 94430 54168 or mail to consult.ur.dr@gmail.com,
For
more details & Consultation Feel free to contact us.
Vivekanantha Clinic Consultation Champers
at
Chennai:- 9786901830
Panruti:- 9443054168
Pondicherry:- 9865212055 (Camp)
For appointment please Call us or Mail Us
For appointment: SMS your Name -Age – Mobile Number - Problem in Single word -
date and day - Place of appointment (Eg: Rajini – 30 - 99xxxxxxx0 – GERD – 21st
Oct, Sunday - Chennai ), You will receive Appointment details through SMS
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