GERD is a common health condition that’s plaguing one in five of the US population. Yet, many people have little knowledge of its debilitating effects. Better known by its symptoms like acid reflux and heartburn, GERD may even require surgical intervention if left untreated. 

For millions of people, it’s the source of great discomfort and pain, which could often keep them from living life to the fullest. But with proper treatments and lifestyle adjustments, it’s could be a manageable and even avoidable disease.

So, what is GERD?

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. It’s often the result of a malfunction in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES, a circular muscle between the stomach and the esophagus, typically remains closed when there’s no movement of food. But a failure in its closing mechanism could cause stomach acid and content to flow back into the esophagus.

You would often feel this with what’s commonly called acid reflux. And this could create heartburn and a host of other symptoms like nausea, a sour taste at the back of the mouth, regurgitation of food, and difficulty swallowing.

Now, occasional acid reflux doesn’t indicate GERD, which usually involves persisting symptoms. But some people may even have GERD in the absence of its typical signs. And a few may experience more acute symptoms like chronic asthma. So, seeing a doctor is essential if you notice changes in your health.

Is GERD a serious condition?

If ignored, GERD could develop into more severe complications over time. For instance, conditions like asthma and laryngitis could develop when stomach acid flows into the lungs.

GERD could also damage the esophagus and lead to esophageal stricture, a narrowing of the esophagus. It may give rise to esophageal ulcers or an inflammatory condition called esophagitis. GERD could even change the cell lining of the esophagus, causing what doctors call Barrett’s esophagus.

Who’s at risk?

Hiatal hernia, where a small part of the stomach protrudes up through a hole in the diaphragm, is often linked to GERD and acid reflux. In addition, obesity, pregnancy, stress and anxiety, connective tissue disorders, and medications such as tetracycline, Quinidine, aspirin, and iron supplements, could lead to its symptoms.

Researchers also believe that certain lifestyle choices could put you at risk. These can include:

  • Smoking.
  • Consuming spicy, fatty, and acidic food types and drinks such as alcohol and coffee.
  • Retiring to bed straight after meals.
  • Excessive eating.

Treating and managing GERD

If diagnosed with GERD, your doctor will put you on a treatment plan, which could often include medication like antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and Prokinetics. A more chronic condition may even require surgical procedures such as Fundoplication.

In addition, lifestyle changes are often recommended to manage GERD in the long term. These can include:

The bottom line is, GERD is a manageable condition if identified and treated without delay. So, it’s important to visit your doctor and seek advice if you notice persistent symptoms. Meanwhile, adopting healthy lifestyle practices is equally important to avoid its debilitating effects.

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