What is GERD(gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Acid reflux happens when contents from your stomach move up into your esophagus. It’s also called acid regurgitation or gastroesophageal reflux.
1) GERD symptoms
Acid reflux can cause an uncomfortable burning feeling in your chest, which can radiate up toward your neck. This feeling is often known as heartburn.
If you have acid reflux, you might develop a sour or bitter taste at the back of your mouth. It might also cause you to regurgitate food or liquid from your stomach into your mouth.
2) GERD causes
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a circular band of muscle at the end of your esophagus. When it’s working properly, it relaxes and opens when you swallow. Then it tightens and closes again afterwards.
3) GERD treatment options
To prevent and relieve symptoms of GERD, your doctor might encourage you to make changes to your eating habits or other behaviors.
In some cases, they might prescribe stronger H2 receptor blockers or PPIs. If GERD is severe and not responding to other treatments, surgery might be recommended.
4) Surgery for GERD
In most cases, lifestyle changes and medications are enough to prevent and relieve symptoms of GERD. But sometimes, surgery is needed.
For example, your doctor might recommend surgery if lifestyle changes and medications alone haven’t stopped your symptoms. They might also suggest surgery if you’ve developed complications of GERD.
5) Diagnosing GERD
If your doctor suspects you might have GERD, they’ll conduct a physical exam and ask about any symptoms you’ve been experiencing.
A) Barium swallow:
After drinking a barium solution, X-ray imaging is used to examine your upper digestive tract
B) Upper endoscopy:
A flexible tube with a tiny camera is threaded into your esophagus to examine it and collect a sample of tissue (biopsy) if needed
C) Esophageal manometry:
A flexible tube is threaded into your esophagus to measure the strength of your esophageal muscles
6) GERD in infants
About two-thirds of 4-month-old babies have symptoms of GERD. Up to 10 percent of 1-year-old babies are affected by it.
It’s normal for babies to spit up food and vomit sometimes. But if your baby is spitting up food or vomiting frequently, they might have GERD.
Other potential signs and symptoms of GERD in infants includes:
1. refusal to eat
2. trouble swallowing
3. gagging or choking
4. wet burps or hiccups
5. irritability during or after feeding
6. weight loss or poor growth
7. difficulty sleeping
7) Risk factors for GERD
Certain conditions can increase your chances of developing GERD, including:
3. hiatal hernia
4. connective tissue disorders
Some lifestyle behaviors can also raise your risk of GERD, including:
2. eating large meals
3. lying down or going to sleep shortly after eating
4. eating certain types of foods, such as deep fried or spicy foods.
5. drinking certain types of beverages, such as soda, coffee, or alcohol.
8) Home remedies for GERD.
There are several lifestyle changes and home remedies that may help relieve GERD symptoms.
For example, it might help to:
1. quit smoking
2. lose excess weight
3. eat smaller meals
4. chew gum after eating
5 .avoid lying down after eating
6. avoid foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms
7. avoid wearing tight clothing
8. practice relaxation techniques