The condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is brought on when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) malfunctions and causes reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. A muscle ring called the LES is located at the base of the esophagus and functions as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. Food is transported from the mouth to the stomach via the esophagus.
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or throat brought on by the contact of stomach acid that has been refluxed with the lining of the esophagus. It's possible to taste the fluid in the back of the mouth; this condition is known as acid indigestion. Although occasional heartburn is prevalent and heartburn treatment GERD is not always present. Heartburn that occurs more frequently than twice per week is sometimes referred to as GERD and might potentially result in more severe health issues. GERD can affect anyone, including young children, pregnant women, and infants.
What are the symptoms of GERD?
Acid regurgitation and recurrent heartburn are the main symptoms. GERD can occur in some persons without heartburn. Instead, they complain of chest pain, morning hoarseness, or swallowing issues. Your throat might feel tight like food is stuck there, or you might feel like you are choking. Dry coughing and foul breath are other GERD side effects.
What causes GERD?
Nobody is aware of the causes of GERD. Hiatal hernias might be a factor. When the top portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm, the muscle wall separating the stomach from the chest, this condition is known as a hiatal hernia. The diaphragm aids the LES in preventing acid from entering the esophagus. The acid can come up more easily when there is a hiatal hernia. Reflux can result from a hiatal hernia in this way. Any age can develop a hiatal hernia, and many otherwise healthy adults over 50 have a tiny one.
Moreover, some foods have been linked to reflux-related events, including:
- Citrus fruits
- Chocolate
- Drinking Caffeine
- Fatty and fried foods
- Garlic Onions
- Mint Flavoring
- Spicy food
What are the long-term complications of GERD?
GERD can occasionally result in significant problems. Bleeding or ulcers are brought on by the esophageal inflammation brought on by stomach acid. Furthermore, tissue injury scars can constrict the esophagus and make swallowing challenging. Barrett's esophagus is a condition where the lining of the esophagus develops abnormally shaped and colored cells. Over time, this can result in cancer.
Asthma, a persistent cough, and lung fibrosis may all be exacerbated by or possibly result from GERD, according to studies.
You can also check our post on: What Is An Appendicitis: Symptoms & Treatment
GERD treatment options
Your doctor might advise you to adjust your lifestyle in order to control and ease the symptoms of GERD, such as:
1. Maintaining a reasonable weight, if applicable
2. Giving up smoking if you do
3. Delaying lying down for a few hours after eating large,
4. Heavy meals in the evening.
5. Lifting your head when you sleep (by raising the head of your bed 6-8 inches)
Medication
Also, your doctor could advise using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like those in the following list. Discussing the best course of action for you with your doctor is advised because all of these medications have potentially negative effects.
Surgery
Most of the time, taking medication and altering one's lifestyle are sufficient to control GERD.
But, if your doctor is worried about the effects your GERD may be having on your health or feels it would be unwise for you to take medication for a prolonged period of time, they might suggest surgery. The three surgeries listed below are the most frequently performed on GERD patients:
Fundoplication:
By encircling your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) with the top of your stomach, a surgeon can tighten it during this surgery. This is frequently carried out using a laparoscopy, in which a small cut or incision is used to insert a thin, illuminated tube with a camera into the body.
Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF):
TIF is a more recent surgical technique that uses polypropylene fasteners to tighten the LES. There is no surgical incision because the procedure is done through a tube that is placed in your mouth.
LINX device:
A surgeon places this ring of tiny, magnetic beads around the junction of your stomach and esophagus. Although stomach acid cannot pass through the LINX device as easily, eating is still possible. LINX implantation is regarded as a minimally invasive technique, similar to fundoplication.
Each surgical treatment for GERD has its advantages and risks. If you're a candidate for surgery, your GERD Specialist in Coimbatore can help you decide which procedure is most likely to be beneficial for you.
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