GERD - How To Deal With It?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive tract problem where symptoms are produced by the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus or beyond, into the oral cavity (including larynx). Normally a band muscle fiber at the lower end of the esophagus (Lower esophageal sphincter) prevents contents of the stomach to enter into the esophagus. If the sphincter relaxes abnormally then gastric contents easily flow back into esophagus producing symptoms.
Symptoms of GERD
-
Heartburn (classic symptom)
-
Dysphagia (In long-standing disease)
-
Less common symptoms – water brash, odynophagia, burping, hiccups, nausea and vomiting
-
Atypical symptoms – Chest pain, asthma, chronic cough, recurrent pneumonitis, laryngitis, dental erosions, disturbed sleep
Following factors can increase risk of GERD
-
Presence of a hiatus hernia
-
Spicy and fatty food
-
Irregular timings and large amount of meals
-
Factors causing delayed gastric emptying
Associated conditions that can increase GERD
Diagnosis
-
Empirical trial of acid suppression
-
24 Hour Esophageal pH monitoring
-
Esophageal manometry
Management
-
Lifestyle modification like weight reduction, discontinue smoking & alcohol intake, dietary changes, etc.
-
Pharmacological therapy – acid-suppressing medications, prokinetic drugs
-
Endoscopic therapy – anti-reflux mucosectomy (ARMS procedure), Stretta procedure
-
Surgical therapy – Fundoplication
In case you have any concern or query, you can always consult an expert and get answers to you questions.
RELATED ISSUES
RELATED SPECIALITIES
Ask a free question
Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors
+1.svg)
