Did you know that GERD is not just a heartburn?

The medical name of the acid reflux disease is gastroesophageal reflux disease which is often abbreviated ad GERD. It’s often mistaken for occasional heartburn. It occurs when stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe lining located just above the stomach. When operating normally, this muscle relaxes and opens allowing food to pass down into the stomach from the esophagus, then contracts to close the opening and the stomach acidic content and bile from backing up into the esophagus.

When food pipe lining relaxes at appropriate time, the acidic contents gets into the esophagus and cause burning chest pain called heartburn, when it occurs repeatedly and frequent the acid can also erode the food pipe lining of esophagus. GERD is a complex condition ranging from frequent heartburn symptoms to erosive esophagitis, in which the esophagus can suffer different degrees of damage. In extreme occurrence ulcers develop in the esophagus and lead to esophageal bleeding which can in turn can cause iron deficiency, anemia, weight loss as well as extreme pain. In severe cases GERD can cause a serious medical condition that may need surgery to correct.

The main common symptoms of GERD for adults are an acidic taste in the mouth, regurgitation, and heartburn. Less common symptoms include pain with swallowing or sore throat, increased salivation (also known as water brash), nausea, chest pain and coughing. GERD may be difficult to detect in infants and children, since they cannot describe what they are feeling and indicators must be observed. Symptoms may vary from typical adult symptoms. GERD in children may cause repeated vomiting, effortless spitting up, coughing, and other respiratory problems.   

Doctors recommend change of lifestyle and dietary changes to GERD patients, including foods that weaken lower esophageal sphincter and stimulate gastric acid secretion such food include; chocolate, peppermint, beverages caffeine, acidic fruits and juices as well as spicy foods. Change of lifestyle include not lying down for three hours after eating, raising the head of the bed, losing weight, avoiding foods that result in symptoms and stopping smoking. Some evidence suggests that reducing sugar intake and increased fiber intake can help. The primary medications used for GERD are proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole followed by hydrogen gas inhibitor and antacids.