Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic digestive disorder, causes irritation and discomfort due to the regular flow of stomach acid back into the oesophagus. This results from a compromised lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), which lets acid escape by not closing correctly.
GERD commonly causes constant heartburn, food or sour liquid regurgitation, chest pain, trouble swallowing, and chronic coughing. Untreated GERD can cause problems, including oesophagitis, ulcers, and even Barrett''s oesophagus, therefore raising the risk of esophageal cancer.
Obesity, pregnancy, smoking, too much alcohol, and eating acidic or spicy meals are among the several elements that lead to GERD. Furthermore, stress and bad eating habits aggravate symptoms.
Managing GERD calls for changes in lifestyle, including weight control, avoiding trigger foods, lower meal consumption, and not lying down right away after meals. Medications meant to help lower acid generation includeproton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and antacids. Severe cases could call for surgical procedures including fundoplication.
Preventing problems depends mostly on early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. See a healthcare specialist for a customised method to guarantee good GERD control and a better quality of life.