Gastroesophageal Reflux: What It Is, What Causes It, and How to Treat It
Do you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux? If so, you aren't alone. Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. GERD occurs when stomach acid rises up into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. In some cases, GERD can lead to more serious health problems.
If you think you might have GERD, it's important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Once your doctor has confirmed that you have GERD, there are a number of treatment options available. In many cases, lifestyle changes such as eating smaller meals and avoiding trigger foods can help to control symptoms. For more severe cases of GERD, medication may be necessary.
Read on to learn more about gastroesophageal reflux and how it is treated.
What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux?
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a condition in which stomach acid rises up into the esophagus. This can cause irritation and discomfort in the chest or throat. In some cases, GERD can also lead to other health problems such as erosive esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, or even esophageal cancer.
GERD is a chronic condition that can be managed but not cured. Symptoms often come and go and may be worse after eating certain foods or drinking certain beverages. Common symptoms of GERD include heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation.
What Causes Gastroesophageal Reflux?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to GERD including genetics, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, obesity, and smoking. However, the most common cause of GERD is a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
The LES is a band of muscle at the junction of the stomach and esophagus that acts as a valve between the two organs. When functioning properly, it opens to allow food into the stomach and closes to prevent food and stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus. However, if the LES is weak or faulty, it may not close properly, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. This can lead to symptoms of GERD such as heartburn and chest pain.
How Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Treated?
Treatment for GERD will depend on your symptoms and how severe they are. For some people with mild symptoms, lifestyle changes such as eating smaller meals and avoiding trigger foods may be enough to control symptoms. Other people may need medication to control their symptoms. Common medications used to treat GERD include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and histamine-2 blockers such as ranitidine (Zantac).
If you think you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it's important discuss your symptoms with your doctor so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and find the best treatment option for you.
Source: kds.lt