WHAT IS GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)?

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a chronic acid reflux condition which means acid-containing contents of the stomach continuously leak back into your esophagus (food pipe).

The lower esophageal sphincter acts as a band to stop the upward rise of the contents of the stomach. Acid reflux happens because the valve at the end of the esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter), doesn’t close properly when the food arrives at the stomach, and intra abdominal pressure increases. Acidic food then flows back up through your esophagus into your throat and mouth, giving you belching.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR GETTING GERD?

Anyone at any age can develop GERD, but some may be at more risk for it. Your chances of having GERD increase if:

• Age: you are of age more than 40.
• Weight: you are overweight or obese.
• You are pregnant
• If you smoke or are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke.
• Certain medications may cause acid reflux.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF GERD OR HEARTBURN?

Some of the common complications of GERD are:

• Oesophagitis
• Barrett's esophagus
• Anemia
• Esophageal stricture
• Gastric volvulus

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GERD (HEARTBURN)?

Major complications are heartburn and regurgitation, which is triggered mostly by bending, straining or lying down.

Waterbrash: Increased salivation when acid enters food pipe.

A few patients presents with severe chest pain that can mimic angina and is due to reflux induced esophageal spasm. 

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF GERD OR HEARTBURN?

Some causes may include :

• Abnormalities of lower esophageal sphincter: Some people with GERD have reduced sphincter tone or inappropriate sphincter relaxation.
• Hiatus hernia(herniation of the stomach through diaphragm into the chest).
• Delayed esophageal clearance: leads to the increased acid exposure time.
• Gastric contents: Acidic gastric contents lead to esophageal irritation thus causing GERD.
• Defective gastric emptying: 
• Increased intraabdominal pressure

HOW THE DIAGNOSIS OF GERD IS MADE?

Diagnosis is made primarily on the basis of presenting symptoms.

Endoscopy is sometimes performed to rule out other upper gastroesophageal diseases that mimic GERD and to identify any complications if present.

A 24hr pH monitoring is advised if the diagnosis is still not clear.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR GERD?

Conventional treatment includes the use of temporary acting antacids or proton pump inhibitors but recurrence of symptoms with more severity is one of the most common side effects when therapy is stopped. Anti-reflux surgery is also advised in many cases which has its own set of complications like alleviated heartburn and regurgitation, inability to vomit, and abdominal bloating.

MANAGEMENT OF GERD

Some lifestyle changes are advised like weight loss, avoiding food items that aggravate the patient's present symptoms, the elevation of the bed head(if you suffer from night-time acid reflux), avoiding late meals and smoking, etc.

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF GERD

Homoeopathic treatment aims at curing this disease in the most harmless and permanent way. Many symptomatic, as well as constitutional medicines, can be prescribed to patients depending upon their condition. Some of the useful medicines in cases of GERD are lycopodium, iodum, anacardium, gambogia, china Etc. It is advised that the above mentioned medicines should only be taken under the guidance of a registered medical practitioner. 

DO’S AND DON’TS FOR GERD

DO’S

• Do watch your weight.
• Try meditation to manage stress.
• Eat light and healthy food.
• You may try eating six smaller meals each day instead of three larger ones.

DON’TS

• Don’t eat spicy, acidic, fatty or caffeinated drinks.
• Avoid having heavy food or snacks right before bedtime.
• Avoid smoking.
• Don’t overeat or eat too quickly.
• Avoid undue stress.
  
  

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