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What is Acid Reflux Disease or GERD?

A lot of us have experienced occasions where food we consume does not settle properly. This can lead to an uncomfortable, and occasionally painful experience of acid indigestion or heartburn. The rumbling stomach acid that pushes into the esophagus known as reflux. It can be harmful to the stomach's lining.




how to protect teeth from acid reflux. If acid reflux is an ongoing occurrence, it is highly likely that it's gastroesophageal disease. With a rate of twenty per cent, GERD is one of the most frequently identified digestive problems throughout the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The incidence could be more prevalent for those who treat undiagnosed problems by taking prescription medications. The most frequent indications of GERD are acid reflux and heartburn other symptoms could include:

  • Chest pain

  • Dental erosion

  • Chronic cough

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Laryngitis

  • Asthma

  • Sleep disruption

60-70 percent of people with GERD are non-erosive GERD (NERD) in the range of 60 to 70%. That means that although the reflux may be discomforting, there is no present harm on the esophagus. In the long run, chronic severe GERD may lead to the condition known as erosive the esophagitis (EE). At this point there is evidence of inflammation and damage to the tissues of the esophagus. The condition can be found in around 30% of people who suffer from GERD. The NIH states that women who have been new diagnosed tend to suffer from NERD and men tend to be more likely to have EE.


Six to twelve percent of those who are diagnosed with GERD suffer from a more serious dangerous, often life-threatening condition called Barrett Esophagus (BE). Patients suffering from HE suffers from significant inflammation, eutrophication of the lower part of the esophagus as well as difficult swallowing that is painful. He requires immediate intervention and treatment in order to prevent further damage. The NIH reported that men who suffer from long-term symptoms of GERD have an almost ten percent more Barrett's esophagus compared to women.

A variety of Risk factors are linked with an increased likelihood for developing GERD. The risk factors are:

  • Weight excess

  • Age

  • Tobacco use

  • Drinking too much alcohol

  • Pregnancy

  • Social and economic status is lower

  • The interactions between medicines

Infrequent, mild bouts of acid reflux or heartburn are typically treated with over-the counter medicines to reduce, neutralize or even stop the production of acid. Changes in lifestyle are often needed. This can be:

  • Weight loss

  • Dietary changes, including

    • Elimination of alcohol, chocolate and caffeine, as well as spicy foods as well as carbonated drinks and citrus

    • Smaller portions at meals

    • Eat no food minimum 3 hours prior the time you go to bed.

  • Stop smoking

  • The head should be elevated while you sleep.

Lifestyle modifications are the primary option to fight GERD. Changes in lifestyle can make a huge difference in the quality of life for people who suffer from GERD. This is particularly relevant when it is they are part of a comprehensive health care program and counseling under the guidance of a physician.


People who experience frequent, frequent, and severe symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn or use over-the-counter medicines at least twice per week should consult a physician. GERD can be more easily treated and controlled by the early detection. Without treatment and diagnosis, GERD symptoms often become more frequent and graver. Damage and complications to the esophagus are also more likely the longer GERD remains untreated.


A doctor will take into consideration the ongoing symptoms you experience and physical examination to determine if you have. Diagnostic tests that could be used to identify GERD could include:

  • Upper endoscopy: an elastic tube that has cameras that are used to look at the stomach and esophagus.

  • A capsule endoscopy is an elongated camera in the size of a pill that is passed through your digestive tract and sends pictures wirelessly to the receiver

  • An X-ray of the digestive system

  • The acid (pH) Probe test detects stomach acid and its impacts on the esophagus.

  • Esophageal manometry is a method of measuring muscles contractions as well as swallowing within the esophagus.

Patients with diagnosed GERD that aren't able to manage symptoms by changing their lifestyle may get relief from other options such as:

  • Prescription-only medical therapy - the doctor may prescribe a prescription-strength medication to control stomach acid production if over-the-counter options are not helpful

  • Surgery options to tighten the sphincter that connects the stomach and esophagus that will help limit how much stomach acid that enters the esophagus.


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