Information on GERD

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Officially known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, this disorder is common, causing discomfort in varying degrees. Basically, it occurs when a valve in the lower part of the esophagus weakens and allows a backward leakage of the stomach contents.

Normally, food travels down the esophagus and enters the stomach. If the valve separating the stomach and esophagus doesn't close properly, acid and bile from the digesting food in the stomach moves back upward into the esophagus.

Information on GERD: How to Treat It?

Understanding specifically why it occurs, will provide an understanding of how to treat it. Since the problem centers on the valve, doctors feel that most GERD sufferers are genetically prone to develop a weaker valve and therefore there are no preventative measures to take. With that in mind, treatment must then look to controlling the symptoms.

Symptoms

The symptoms can range from mild to severe. Initially, heartburn is the main symptom, but as the esophagus is exposed to more acid, additional problems may develop. For the heartburn, an antacid can relieve the burning sensation, but this will eventually progress to the next stage.

What Happens When You Have Gerd

If left untreated, this stage will move into the next one in which serious medical complications result. Aspiration pneumonia, nighttime asthma or cancer of the esophagus may develop from prolonged untreated reflux. It is much more difficult to repair the damage at this stage and often the patient is left with a greatly diminished quality of life.

Yet, things do not have to progress this far. When GERD has been diagnosed, the patient should receive as much information about the disorder as possible. Information on GERD, when put into practice, can halt the negative effects of this condition. The first place to seek relief is through dietary changes.

Foods To Avoid

Avoidance of certain beverages like tea, coffee, soda and fruit and vegetable juices may diminish the heartburn. These drinks are high in acid and if they are leaked out of the stomach area through a weaker valve in the esophagus, they will burn the delicate lining of this organ. Certain foods should also be limited or eliminated from the diet, like fatty and spicy foods.

Often GERD is most damaging in the evening when a person is lying in bed. In this position, the stomach acid can more easily travel up the esophagus. To prevent this, elevate the head of the bed by six inches or use a special foam pillow that can be purchased from a pharmacy. It’s also recommended that meals should be eaten at least 2 hours before bedtime.

Since Gerd is a fairly common medical ailment, there is a lot of available information. Learning more about GERD will decrease or prevent serious complications.

Please Note

It is important to emphasize that you should not reject mainstream medical attention and guidance and the use of recommended products, treatments, and remedies for individual disorder should be approved and monitored by your health care provider. See disclaimer for more!