Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

The Danger of a Happy Heavy Meal

If you ever experience hot burning sensation in your chest and regurgitation of food or sour liquid after a meal, you know for sure that these symptoms are from the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). These common symptoms of GERD seem harmless because they only cause minor discomfort and maybe annoying for a short period of time. On the other hand, taking for granted these minor symptoms may cause unexpected negative results.

Getting to know GERD

            GERD occurs when the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus which causes burning sensation in the upper stomach, chest and neck.  Patients may taste sour liquid in the mouth which is called “regurgitation”. Over time, the symptoms cause inflammation and severe lesions with the possibility to develop precancerous changes to the esophagus.

The condition might occur to other systems such as the ear, nose and throat system, respiratory system or could result to some cardiac condition which is not caused by a cardiac disease.  Hence, it is significantly important to keep your health on watch and consult a medical provider as soon as any abnormality is suspected.

Diagnosis and Treatment

            After your medical history was taken, there are several ways to investigate GERD with a more accurate result. For example, gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry and ambulatory acid (pH) probe test which are considered as the most accurate diagnostic procedures.

Live a little farther from GERD

Most conditions affected by GERD are triggered by unhealthy habits which can simply be altered to avoid the mentioned symptoms and other consequences.

• Avoid smoking and alcohol drinks
• Avoid tea, coffee, soda and juice
• Avoid strong tasting foods: too sour, too spicy, too fat
• Keep your weight in control
• You should have your dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime and do not eat too much
• Eat less but more often
• Do not wear too tight clothing
• Exercise regularly

If your condition doesn’t respond to behavioral adjustments, the doctor may consider prescribing Proton Pump Inhibitor medication. The length of period given to take this medicine depends on your condition and if the medication doesn’t work out, the doctor may consider a laparoscopic surgery.