Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the contents of your stomach persistently move back up into your esophagus. These contents may contain excessive acid, leading to irritation and pain, which can be managed with expert care. Many individuals experience acid reflux, indigestion, or heartburn occasionally. However, if you find yourself dealing with acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week, you might have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD affects approximately 20% of people in the United States, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications that require comprehensive health services. Read on to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for GERD, ensuring you have access to personalized health solutions. Symptoms of GERD include persistent heartburn, characterized by a burning sensation rising from your stomach to your chest, neck, and throat, as well as a sour or bitter taste at the back of your mouth. Other possible symptoms include a feeling of fullness or a lump in your throat, chronic cough, a hoarse voice, and bad breath. Alarm symptoms may present as difficulty swallowing, pain while swallowing, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, anemia, or bleeding. If you experience any of these, seek medical attention promptly. Heartburn and heart attacks can both cause chest pain, but their sensations differ. Heartburn occurs when acidic stomach contents rise into the esophagus, causing a burning feeling. In contrast, a heart attack is due to insufficient blood and oxygen reaching the heart, often resulting in sharp pain or pressure in the chest that may radiate to the neck, jaw, or shoulder. If you experience heart attack symptoms such as shortness of breath or faintness, seek immediate medical assistance. For infants, occasional spitting up is normal, but frequent spitting or vomiting may indicate GERD. Signs in infants might include refusal to eat, trouble swallowing, gagging, wet burps, irritability during feeding, weight loss, or recurrent cough. If you suspect GERD in your baby, consult a doctor. The primary cause of GERD is often linked to acid reflux, which results from improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a muscle band at the esophagus's end that opens when you swallow and closes afterward. Acid reflux occurs when the LES fails to close properly, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. Factors like hiatal hernia, large meals, or lying down too soon after eating can contribute to this condition. Additionally, alcohol consumption has been shown to increase the risk of GERD; thus, limiting or stopping alcohol intake can provide relief if diagnosed. Dietary triggers for GERD symptoms include high-fat foods, spicy foods, and certain beverages like coffee and carbonated drinks. Diagnosis typically involves taking a medical history and performing a physical examination. For alarm symptoms, a referral to a gastroenterologist may be necessary, along with tests like a 24-hour pH probe or an upper endoscopy. Once diagnosed, your doctor will discuss an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs. To manage GERD, lifestyle strategies like consuming specific foods and liquids, maintaining a moderate weight, quitting smoking, avoiding heavy meals at night, waiting a few hours after eating to lie down, and elevating your head during sleep can be beneficial. If these measures are insufficient, medications to reduce stomach acid may be prescribed, including proton pump inhibitors and antacids. Always consult a doctor before starting any medication due to potential side effects. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended if symptoms persist or complications arise, with options including fundoplication or the LINX reflux management system. While GERD typically doesn't lead to severe complications, untreated cases can result in issues like esophagitis or narrowing of the esophagus. To minimize the risk of complications, it's essential to take steps to prevent, manage, and treat GERD symptoms effectively.
Acid reflux treatment in Indore
GERD treatment in Indore
Acidity doctor in Indore
Heartburn treatment in Indore
Gastroenterologist for acid reflux Indore
Acid reflux specialist near me
Chronic acidity treatment Indore
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.