GERD Essentials
© Copyright 2005 Michael Sanford
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, a clinical
condition that occurs when reflux of stomach acid into the
esophagus is severe enough to impact the patient's life and/or
damage the esophagus. Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach
and esophagus while reflux means to flow back or return. You see,
when chewed-up food slides down the esophagus or swallowing
tube, and into the stomach, there digestive juices begin to break
down the food. A special type of muscle called a sphincter connects
the esophagus and the stomach. The sphincter works like a gate.
It opens up so food can get into the stomach, and then it closes
again. This keeps the food and acidic stomach juices from flowing
back into the esophagus. However, if the sphincter is weak or
opens at the wrong time, there's a problem. Whatever's in the
stomach goes the wrong way, which is back up into the
esophagus. And because what's in the stomach is high in acid, this
can irritate the esophagus. This condition is then called reflux.
GERD affects at least an estimated 5% to 7% of the global
population. GERD is most common in adults over age 40 but
virtually anyone can get GERD, even infants. Persistent heartburn
is the most frequent symptom of GERD. It is an uncomfortable
burning sensation behind the breastbone, most commonly
occurring after a meal. This condition has nothing to do with the
heart, but everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus.
Eating too much and going to bed in a very full stomach can cause
heartburn in a lot of people. The difference between GERD and
heartburn is that GERD is a disease and heartburn is its most
common symptom. Almost everyone has experienced heartburn.
About 25 million American adults suffer daily from heartburn.
Someone who experiences recurring, significant heartburn two or
more times a week may have GERD. Frequent heartburn that
disrupts one's lifestyle suggests the diagnosis of GERD. Another
symptom of GERD is regurgitation. It is a sensation of acid backed
up in the esophagus.
Early diagnosis of GERD is important to avoid complications in the
future. A physician can usually make an easy diagnosis of GERD if
the patient finds relief from persistent heartburn and acid
regurgitation after taking antacids for short periods. Laboratory or
more invasive tests, including endoscopy, barium-swallow
radiograph, PH monitor examination, and manometry may be
required if the diagnosis is still uncertain. If patients develop
persistent GERD with frequent relapses, however, and it remains
untreated, serious complications can develop over time. Such
complications can include the following: ulcers, severe narrowing of
the esophagus, erosion of the lining of the esophagus,
precancerous changes in the cells of the esophagus, and problems
in other areas, including the teeth, throat, and airways leading to
the lungs
There are various methods to effectively treat GERD starting from
lifestyle measures to the use of medication or surgical procedures.
But initial treatment of GERD is with lifestyle changes. Eating
anything within three hours before bedtime should be avoided,
stop smoking, avoid fatty foods, decrease portions of food at
mealtime, elevating the head of the bed or mattress 6 to 8 inches,
and losing weight if overweight. It is essential for individuals who
suffer GERD to change their lifestyle, and seek an accurate
diagnosis with their physician to receive the most effective
treatment available.
You can find more informative articles at
http://www.acid-reflux-info-center.com/
<< ------------------End of Free Reprint Article --------------- >>
Find More Related Articles
See Also:
All Free Articles About Health & Wellbeing
All Free Articles About Natural Health & Natural Healing
Index of All Free Reprint Articles
