Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Nearly everyone has experienced heartburn at some point in their life. Although some may confuse it with acid reflux disease or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). While heartburn is common, GERD can cause major repercussions to your health. It is important to note your symptoms and monitor their frequency.
What Causes Heartburn?
Gastric acid refluxing from your stomach into your esophagus causes heartburn. Resulting in a burning sensation in either the chest or throat. When this acid indigestion is frequent. Eventually, it can cause inflammation in the esophagus from the inability of acid to remain in the stomach. These are indicators that the sensation is more chronic and in most cases, presenting as GERD. It is highly important to be able to determine if you are experiencing heartburn or acid reflux as this damage to the esophagus if untreated can cause severe health issues or even cancer.
Symptoms of GERD
The esophageal muscles are unable to function properly and keep acid down. Causing bad breath, tooth enamel damage, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing or eating. These symptoms are indicative of GERD rather than regular heartburn.
Treatment Options, and Resources
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Heartburn is specific to each individual depending on foods, medications, stress, and exercise lifestyle. Heartburn can be more prevalent in pregnant women, smokers, and those who are higher weight. To reduce the heartburn. Firstly understand what are the symptoms and triggers. Subsequently, treat it with over-the-counter medication or alter your lifestyle habits.
Reduce Heartburn
To reduce heartburn stress caused by eating, take note of fatty or spicy foods. That triggers heartburn and refrain from eating them. Eating smaller meals, rather than larger meals, throughout longer time frames can also help reduce stress on your body. Focus on eating slower and try to refrain from lying down immediately after eating. When sleeping, you can raise the head of your bed. To elevate your body and prevent stomach acid from traveling up.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes can involve shedding pounds, giving up cigarettes, and a serene way of living. If these symptoms persist, seek out over-the-counter medication. You can also consult or visit a physician as there may be a need for a procedure.
Experts in Eliminating Heartburn
IBI Healthcare Institute offers both less invasive and intense treatment for GERD. Focused on patient satisfaction, our procedures ensure fully functioning results. Moreover, we offer many procedures that can help accurately diagnose GERD.
Additionally, these procedures include upper GI endoscopy, which allows for a visual examination of your upper GI tract. Furthermore, there is the upper GI series, Esophageal pH and impedance monitoring. To measure the amount of acid in your esophagus during normal activities. Moreover, there are incision-less therapies such as TIF (Esophyx) and Stretta. These tests and treatments help to identify and address issues related to acid levels in the esophagus.
As far as surgical procedures, Fundoplication is the most common surgery for GERD. In most cases, it leads to long-term reflux control. Other procedures include endoscopic sewing and radio frequency. If you are experiencing symptoms of GERD or chronic heartburn, call us or schedule a teleconsultation. Additionally, you can also try our online GERD quiz.
