Understanding GERD and Acid Reflux

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), the medical term for “acid reflux” is defined as the product of abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, thus creating a mucosal damage, likewise known as the chronic symptom.

This disease strikes adults primarily, while infants and children can also be affected. Normally spurred by eating certain foods, if not pregnancy, or taking a sleep right after eating a heavy meal, a large number of people suffer from acid reflux at one time or another.

Heartburn or acid indigestion is another name that refers to acid reflux. Heartburn, the major symptom of acid reflux in the esophagus, is described as causing a burning sensation at the back of the sternum.

The symptoms may appear as coughing, hoarseness, constant earache, or sinusitis. The complications brought about by acid reflux may lead to esophageal ulcers or worse, this can lead to esophageal cancer.

However, constant heartburn sensations do not necessarily mean that one has GERD. The risk occurs when heartburn happens more than once a week, which could possibly lead to developing GERD.

The usual cause of GERD is the increase in acidity or gastric acid production in the body, obesity, pregnancy, or tight-fitting clothes; these all can add to the problem. Yeast infections are also thought to be one of the causes of GERD-like symptoms.

An added ironical cause of the GERD is the insufficient production of stomach acid in the body. This explanation says that the valve, the hollow organ with a flap that insure the one-way course of fluid through the organ, once emptied triggers acidity in the intestines. If the valve fails to open, the contents of the stomach will be blended into the esophagus, and then irritation occurs.

There are several treatments for GERD, the first of which involves healthy eating habits. If proper diet fails to work, one can shift to medication therapy or surgery as suggested by the doctor. Here are some steps you should take to treat GERD.

* A natural way to cure acid reflux is through change in eating habits. A good number of people affected by GERD find success in following this method. Avoid the triggers which can intensify heartburn such as caffeine, soft drinks, and smoking. Avoid eating two hours before sleeping; likewise, avoid lying down after taking meal.

* Another easy way to treat GERD is to elevate the head of the bed about 6 to 8 inches or 20 cm. This technique will hamper the backflow of gastric fluids. You can always utilize a wedge pillow designed to minimize acid reflux.

* Drug Treatment: Drugs such as famotidine and omeprazole reduce the secretion of gastric acids, and antacids counteract the acid.

Between pharmacological therapy, avoidance of food for two hours before sleeping and raising the head of the bed, there is a good chance of relief from symptoms.