Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

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GERD: Decoding the Fire Within

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a medical condition when the undigested content in the stomach moves up into the esophagus. This condition creates a sensation in the chest that is also known as heartburn. It is a much bigger problem than a fiery inconvenience if it is not addressed at the right time.

Symptoms associated with GERD:

Symptoms associated with GERD are different for everyone, some feel heartburn, others may feel bloating in the stomach, gas in the stomach, and you might experience;

Causes for developing GERD?

There are several factors which can contribute to GERD:

  • A weakened Lower esophageal sphincter: The LES, a muscular valve between the stomach and esophageal, is designed to act as a one-way street that lets food down but keeps acid at bay. In a GERD situation, this valve malfunctions, and allows acid to sneak back upside.
  • Hiatal hernia: When the upper part of your stomach pushes through the diaphragm, it puts extra pressure on the LES, making it prone to malfunction. It may lead to GERD.
  • Diet: Fatty meals, spicy dishes, citrus fruits, and peppermint can relax the LES and trigger reflux.
  • Lifestyle: Smoking, obesity, and pregnancy can all exacerbate GERD.
  • Medications: Certain pain relievers and asthma medications can also play a role.

Precautions for GERD:

GERD diseases are easily manageable with a change in diet and with the help of some medicines. Your doctor may recommend you a combination of:

  • Lifestyle modifications: Leave taking trigger foods, and start eating smaller meals more frequently rather than taking a heavy dose at one time, Quit smoking, and elevating your head while sleeping can significantly improve symptoms.
  • Over-the-counter medications: Antacids like Tums and Creamaffin Plus neutralize stomach acid for quick relief. H2 blockers like Pepcid and PPIs(Pantafon-DSR) like Prilosec reduce acid production for longer-term control.
  • Prescription medications: In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe you a stronger medication like Domperidone to strengthen the LES or sucralfate (Carafate) to heal esophageal damage.
  • Omeprazole Medications: In starting GERD can be managed by light and safe medicine like Omeprazole in the morning before meal.

Precautions and Safety Tips:

If you already have GERD then you have to be more careful about the implications and safety measures for this:

  • Identify the trigger foods and avoid them to take in diets.
  • You should maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly, it will help you make digestion correct.
  • If you do smoking then quit it immediately, also reduce the limit of alcohol consumption.
  • Eat smaller meals in quantity, try to take more frequent small meals, and do not eat late at night.
  • Exercise: Elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches.
  • If you are in stress for any reason, manage it, because it can worsen symptoms.

Serious Implications:

If you don’t take it seriously, GERD can lead to:

Esophagitis: Inflammation and irritation of the esophagus, can cause pain, bleeding, and ulcers in the long term.
Esophageal strictures: Narrowing of the esophagus due to scarring, making swallowing difficult.
Barrett’s esophagus: A precancerous condition that can develop in people with long-term GERD. It is a worse situation than a manageable disease. 

Effective medicines for GERD:

Brand NameCompositionManufacturer
TumsMelatoninGlaxoSmithKline
PepcidFamotidineJohnson & Johnson
PrilosecOmeprazoleP&G
MotiliumDomperidoneSanofi
CarafateSucralfateSun Pharmaceutical Industries
Rebfon-DSR    Rabeprazole+ DomperidoneLaafon Galaxy Pharmaceuticals
Pantafon-DSRRabeprazole+ DomperidoneLaafon Galaxy Pharmaceuticals

Summary:

GERD is a starting of serious medical condition if not cured at the right time. It is an easily manageable disease that can be managed by various methods. You should approach the doctor and tell him your problem openly, and then he will prescribe you the right medicine. Ignoring a small disease can lead to a serious medical condition in the future.  

References:

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)-Health:-[Johns Hopkins Medicines]
  • Regurgitation and Rumination, By Jonathan Gottfried, MD, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Reviewed/Revised Jan 2022 | Modified Sep 2022-[MSD Manual Consumer Version]
  • Dysphagia-[Mayo Clinic]
  • Hoarseness:[National Institute on Deafness and Other Disorders]

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