GERD
GERD is an acronym for Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. It is backflow of gastric acid into esophagus. It is also called as reflux or reflux esophagitis. Mostly elderly people above 40 are more prone to GERD. British people spell GERD as GORD because British spelling for esophagus is oesophagus.
Symptoms of GERD
Heartburn:
The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn, generally after meals. When heartburn is very frequent or causes more severe problems then it is medically called GERD.
Other Symptoms:
Apart from heartburn some other symptoms of GERD are regurgitation of gastric acid or sour contents into the mouth, difficulty while swallowing anything and pain in the chest. Some GERD patients may also experience pulmonary manifestations like coughing, asthma and inflammation in vocal chords accompanied by wheezing. GERD can also cause dissolution of tooth enamel if the acid reaches the mouth. It can also cause sore throat.
Causes of GERD
Lower esophageal sphincter relaxes abnormally:
When we swallow any food stuff or liquid, the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes temporarily so that the food stuff or the liquid can reach the stomach. If the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes abnormally it causes gastric acid to reflux, causing heart burn. In GERD patients the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes more frequently, causing severe heart burn and other complications.
Other Causes:
Sometimes obesity and pregnancy can also cause GERD.
Home Remedies / Treatment for GERD
Drink small amounts of chilled fat free milk or water after every one or two hours. This will make the burning sensation mild. Drink jeera (cumin) water rather than plain water, it avoids formation of gas in stomach. Take ginger root extract with honey after meal.
Remedies for Heartburn:
If you experience heartburn then have a cup of vanilla ice cream to relieve yourself from the symptom. Lemons, almonds and cloves are also effective for heart burn.
Diet Suggestion for GERD
- Avoid spicy and fried foods because they aggravate the symptoms.
- Take few small meals several times in a day, instead of large ones.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, carbonated beverages, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, citrus fruits and chocolates all these contribute to GERD.
- Sedatives, channel blockers used for high blood pressure and tranquilizers can also aggravate the condition.
- Avoid orange juice on an empty stomach.
Other Suggestion for GERD
- If GERD is left untreated then it can cause permanent damage to the esophagus.
- Never lie down immediately after meal.
- If you have severe complaint then avoid wearing tight clothes and belts.
- Use some extra pillows while sleeping to raise your head six to eight inches high.
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