Acid Reflux Disease GERD - Acid Reflux Disease Symptom
65
Acid Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a medical digestive condition in which liquid content in the stomach backs up or refluxes into the esophagus. At the entrance to your stomach is a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is supposed to close as soon as food passes through it, however if the LES does not close all the way acid produced by your stomach enter into your esophagus. This acid can inflame and damage the lining of the esophagus causing Gastoesophageal reflux disease.
What causes GERD?
There could be many causes for reflux disease. One of the most common causes are the abnormal function of the LES. A lot of patients LES have been studied and it is shown that most patients have complications with LES such as abnormal contraction and abnormal relaxation, thus causing acid to frequently move into the esophagus.
Risk factors for GERD include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, asthma, diabetes,eating large meals, laying on your back after finishing a heavy meal, eating certain foods such as tomato, mint, garlic, spicy foods, citrus fruit, or fatty foods. Also drinking certain beverages may cause GERD such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee or tea. Taking certain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, muscle relaxers and blood pressure medication can also increase risk for reflux disease.
Scroll below for symptoms of GERD...
 | Amazon Price: $3.55 List Price: $7.95 |
 | Gastro-esophageal reflux disease- a self help guide.: Dietary treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux. Amazon Price: $12.85 List Price: $14.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $9.99 |
Symptoms of GERD
Common symptoms of GERD include :
- a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn)
- the feeling as if you have a lump in your throat
- chest pain
- difficulty swallowing
- a dry cough
- bloating
- burping
- hiccups that refuse to settle
- nausea
A heart attack is most often mistaken as heartburn. Seek immediate medical help if you are experiencing chest pain followed by shortness of breath or jaw and arm pain.
What to do if you think you have GERD
Contact your primary physician. Your physician may want to run some tests
on your upper digestive system and/or monitor the amount of acid in your stomach. Only a doctor can diagnose GERD, self medicating is dangerous and can cause serious issues.
Medications for GERD
Your doctor may prescribe you medications to help lower your heartburn and help strengthen your LES such as Nexium, Prevacid, Aciphex, and Protonix.
Resources:
