Do you often experience heartburn after meals? It could be more than just indigestion—it might be GERD (gerd full form is Gastroesophageal reflux disease). It is a severe form of acid reflux that causes pain and, if not treated, can lead to complications. Gerd is a common disease affecting millions of people every day, therefore, knowing what is gerd, GERD symptoms, causes, and available treatments is important.
Gerd Meaning in Brief
Gerd full form is Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition that develops when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscles located at the end of the esophagus, fails to function properly. This leads to the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus thus causing inflammation and pain. Although most people experience it occasionally, gerd is a condition that causes frequent episodes that may limit one’s ability to engage in daily activities. A person experiencing gerd symptoms thinking about whether it is gerd dangerous or not, a simple answer is it is not a life-threatening condition but if left untreated, it may affect the throat lining, lungs and airways which further result in difficulty breathing and causing constant coughing.
GERD Causes
GERD disease has many causes. The most common gerd causes include:
- Weak Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES): When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a band of muscle at the end of the esophagus, weakens or relaxes abnormally, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.
- Hiatal Hernia: A situation where a part of the stomach is compressed through the diaphragm and, therefore, increases the chances of acid reflux.
- Diet and Lifestyle Choices: Some of the foods that can lead to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter include spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolates, alcohol, and smoking.
Other GERD causes include obesity, pregnancy, and medications such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which can aggravate the condition by irritating the esophagus lining.
GERD Symptoms
It is important to know the symptoms of gerd disease in order to diagnose it at an early stage. Hence to know the symptoms, below are some of the GERD symptoms that may vary from one person to another, but generally include:
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often after eating or when lying down.
- Regurgitation: Regurgitation of stomach acid that causes a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
- Difficulty Swallowing: A sensation of having a lump in the throat or chest.
- Chest Pain: This condition is often mistaken for a heart attack and occurs when acid touches the esophagus.
- Chronic Cough or Sore Throat: Some of the GERD symptoms include coughing that does not stop or throat irritation that lasts for a long period.
Management Techniques and Best Gerd Treatment
While the gerd causes may differ, the management of the disease often requires a combination of lifestyle alterations and medication. In more severe cases, surgery such as Fundoplication and LINX Device may be required. Some of the best management techniques and Gerd treatment listed below:
Lifestyle Changes
One of the best solutions of getting the apt answer of how to treat gerd at home, is by adopting healthier habits:
- Dietary Adjustments: Do not consume foods that may trigger stomach pain, such as fatty, spicy, or acidic foods. It is also recommended that one should take several small meals in a day rather than a few large ones. Avoiding common triggers such as indulging in late-night snacks or starting the day with a cup of coffee, can help alleviate the symptoms.
- Weight Management: Obesity can also place pressure on the stomach, which can worsen the symptoms of GERD. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce this pressure.
- Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: To avoid acid from flowing back into the esophagus during the night, avoid lying flat and instead use an elevated pillow or raise the head of the bed.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking reduces the strength of the LES, leading to worsening of GERD symptoms.
- Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Both substances can relax the LES and thus cause reflux.
Medications
In addition to lifestyle changes, medications are commonly used to treat symptoms of gerd disease:
- Antacids: These counteract the acid in the stomach and help to relieve heartburn within a short time.
- H2 Receptor Blockers: As per NCBI, H2 Receptor Blockers such as ranitidine and famotidine reduce acid production by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs are more effective and are prescribed to treat the esophagus by reducing the secretion of acid.
Your doctor will advise you on the right course of action depending on the intensity of the GERD symptoms.
Surgical Options
In severe cases of gerd treatment, where medication and lifestyle changes are not effective, surgery may be considered. Procedures such as fundoplication tighten the LES to prevent reflux, providing long-term relief for patients.
Conclusion
GERD is a very prevalent disease that can affect the quality of life in a person. Knowing the gerd symptoms and its causes can assist you in controlling the disease. And if you are looking for the solution of how to cure gerd permanently, then lifestyle modifications and medications are usually enough to manage mild to moderate this disease, but severe cases may need surgery. If you are suffering from chronic heartburn, regurgitation, or swallowing problems, it is advisable that you seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and management.
