You must be wondering what exactly is GERD and how it is connected with heartburn, GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. This is a medical condition happens when the lower esophageal sphincter opens up and does not close properly. The stomach contents then travel upward into the esophagus. Another name for GERD is acid reflux or acid regurgitation because digestive acids come up with the food.
Dealing with heartburn is easy, if we know when it strikes. Oftentimes, it comes without warning. Sometimes it is not even preceded by acid reflux. Chronic heartburn may not be just regular heartburn. unless your pregnant, then chronic heartburn is not the norm. If heartburn symptoms happen more than a few times a week, consult your doctor. Because your doctor can tell you whether its GERD or Barrett’s esophagus that’s causing the pain and discomfort.
Barrett’s esophagus occurs when the tissues lining the esophagus are replaced by tissues that are similar to the lining of the intestine. This serious condition is called intestinal metaplasia. People who develop Barrett’s esophagus have GERD. That is why it is important to get GERD help right away. A small number of people with Barrett’s esophagus develop cancer of the esophagus.
Doctors have agreed that persistent reflux that occurs more than twice a week is categorized as GERD. Around 10% to 20% of Americans suffer from GERD. It is no wonder that a lot are clamoring for GERD help and any other remedies that will alleviate the pain and discomfort.
Here are some GERD help to keep in mind:
- Be prepared to take over-the-counter medications. These acid reducing meds are called antacid and they may include:
- Alka Seltzer
- Maalox
- Mylanta
- Pepto Bismol - Know that there are ani-secretory drugs like the powerful H12 blockers and proton pump inhibitors that are great at GERD help. These pills are:
- cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
- famotidine (Pepcid AC)
- nizatidine (Axid AR)
- ranitidine (Zantac 75) - If your doctor want you to take proton pump inhibitors for your GERD help, then these are your choices:
- esomeprazole (Nexium)
- lansoprazole (Prevacid)
- omeprazole ( Prilosec, Zegerid)
- pantoprazole (Protonix)
- rabeprazole (Aciphex)
It is imperative that if symptoms persist, that you go back to your doctor. Because when GERD is undiagnosed or not under control it can lead to more serious complications like a bleeding ulcer. Worse, scar tissues may form and this particular damage lead to strictures, or the narrowing of some areas of the esophagus. This condition in turn, lead to hoarseness, persistent coughing or even asthma!
Here are some Lifestyle changes for GERD help:
- Keep a journal. Track the occurrence of persistent heartburn. Cut reflux inducing foods from your diet.
- If you get heartburn at night, then change the position of how you sleep. here’s a radical solution: sleep with the upper part of your body highly elevated! No, not just your head this time, but your entire upper body. Make sure that your collarbone is positioned higher than your hipbone!
- Nothing beats a healthy lifestyle. Cut down on alcohol and stop smoking. This is because nicotine makes the lower esophagus sphincter to relax, making digested food easier to travel upwards.
- Eat smaller portions and smaller meals. When the stomach is full, it is full. There’s no use in eating more because it will just go up the esophagus.
- Choose the foods you eat wisely. Avoid fatty, greasy and over processed foods. Avoid foods that have caffeine. Avoid foods that are spicy or that are high in acid. In fact, the pickier eater you are, the better!
GERD help is available online. Learn about support groups for GERD sufferers. The more you learn about this disease, the better control you’ll have over it. Do not let GERD affect your quality of life! You deserve to enjoy a pain-free day!
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