Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a long-term condition where acid from the stomach comes up into the esophagus.
Many people occasionally experience gastroesophageal reflux (GER).

However, if an individual experiences persistent acid reflux that occurs more than twice a week, they may be diagnosed with GERD. In other words, GERD is the long-term, regular occurrence of GER.


Fast facts on GERD
Here are some key points about GERD. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
Stomach acid that washes up into the esophagus can cause dangerous tissue damage.
GERD may result from a dysfunctional valve at the top of the stomach and bottom of the esophagus.
Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and reducing stress can help reduce the risk of GERD.
Treating GERD may involve the use of protein pump inhibitors, antacids, and other medications, as well as lifestyle changes.
What is GERD?
GERD diagram
If the sphincter at the top of the stomach does not close properly, stomach contents can flow upward.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition where stomach acid persistently and regularly flows up into the esophagus.

The esophagus may also be referred to as the food pipe or gullet and is the tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach.

The acid in the esophagus causes heartburn and other symptoms, as well as possible tissue damage.

The American College of Gastroenterology says that at least 15 million Americans, or 20 percent of the American population, experience heartburn every day.

Causes
Occasional acid reflux is quite common, often occurring as a result of overeating, lying down after eating, or eating particular foods.

However, recurrent acid reflux, diagnosed as GERD, typically has other causes and risk factors and can have more serious complications.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs in people of all ages, and sometimes for unknown reasons.

In short, GERD occurs when the sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus becomes weak, or opens when it should not.

GERD occurs more commonly in people who are:

overweight or obese because of increased pressure on the abdomen
pregnant, due to the same increased pressure
taking certain medications, including some asthma medications, calcium channel blockers, antihistamines, sedatives, and antidepressants
smoking, and being exposed to second-hand smoke
Hiatal hernia is a condition where an opening in the diaphragm lets the top of the stomach move up into the chest. This lowers the pressure in the esophageal sphincter and raises the risk of GERD.


Symptoms
Woman with GERD being examined
The main symptom of GERD is heartburn.
The main symptom of GERD is heartburn.

Heartburn is discomfort felt behind the breastbone as a burning sensation. It tends to get worse if the person lies down or bends over, and also after eating food.

However, not all people with GERD experience heartburn, and there are other possible symptoms:

nausea or vomiting
bad breath
respiratory problems
difficulty or pain when swallowing
decay
Complications
GERD can worsen and turn into other conditions if left untreated.

These include:

Esophagitis: This is an inflammation of the esophagus.
Esophageal stricture: In this condition, the esophagus becomes narrow, making it difficult to swallow.
Barrett's esophagus: The cells lining the esophagus can change into cells similar to the lining of the intestine. This can develop into cancer.
Respiratory problems: It is possible to breathe stomach acid into the lungs, which can cause a range of problems including chest congestion, hoarseness, asthma, laryngitis, and pneumonia.
Diagnosis
Anyone who is experiencing frequent acid reflux symptoms should talk to their doctor, who may refer them to a specialist in gut medicine known as a gastroenterologist for further investigation.

There are several possible tests to diagnose GERD, including:

Esophageal pH and impedance monitoring: This measures the amount of acid in the esophagus while the body is in different states, such as while eating or sleeping.
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscope: This is a tube with a camera attached, which is used to inspect the esophagus. A small sample of tissue may also be taken at the same time in a biopsy.
Upper GI series: This is a type of X-ray that shows up certain physical abnormalities that might cause GERD.
Esophageal manometry: This measures muscle contractions in the esophagus during swallowing. It can measure the strength of the sphincter.
Bravo wireless esophageal pH monitoring: In this test, a small temporary capsule is attached to the esophagus. This measures the acidity continuously for around 48 hours.

Treatment
GERD will often be treated with medications before attempting other lines of treatment.

Proton pump inhibitors are one of the main pharmaceutical treatment options for people with GERD. They decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

Other options include:

H2 blockers: These are another option to help decrease acid production.
Antacids: These counteract the acid in the stomach with alkaline chemicals. Side effects can include diarrhea and constipation. Antacids are available to purchase online.
Prokinetics: These help the stomach empty faster. Side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and anxiety.
Erythromycin: Ths is a type of antibiotic that also helps empty the stomach.
Surgical options
If lifestyle changes do not significantly improve the symptoms of GERD, or medications do not have the desired effect, a gastroenterologist may recommend surgery.

Surgical treatments include:

Fundoplication: The surgeon sews the top of the stomach around the esophagus. This adds pressure to the lower end of the esophagus and is generally successful at reducing reflux.
Endoscopic procedures: This is a range of procedures include endoscopic sewing, which uses stitches to tighten the sphincter muscle, and radiofrequency, which uses heat to produce small burns that help tighten the sphincter muscle.
Prevention
Other lifestyle and behavior changes can help relieve GERD include:

Eat moderate amounts of food and avoid overeating.
Stop eating 2 to 3 hours before sleeping.
Quit or avoid smoking.
If a person is overweight, losing weight can help prevent symptoms.
Do not wear clothing that is tight around the abdomen.
Sleep at a slight angle with the head slightly elevated.
Diet
Certain foods may trigger GERD symptoms in some people.

These include:

greasy foods
spicy foods
chocolate
peppermint
coffee
foods containing tomato products
alcoholic drinks

What Is Acid Reflux Disease?
At the entrance to your stomach is a valve, which is a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Normally, the LES closes as soon as food passes through it. If the LES doesn't close all the way or if it opens too often, acid produced by your stomach can move up into your esophagus. This can cause symptoms such as a burning chest discomfort called heartburn. If acid reflux symptoms happen more than twice a week, you may have acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).


What Causes Acid Reflux Disease?
One common cause of acid reflux disease is a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia. This occurs when the upper part of the stomach and LES move above the diaphragm, a muscle that separates your stomach from your chest. Normally, the diaphragm helps keep acid in our stomach. But if you have a hiatal hernia, acid can move up into your esophagus and cause symptoms of acid reflux disease.

These are other common risk factors for acid reflux disease:
Eating large meals or lying down right after a meal.
Being overweight or obese.
Eating a heavy meal and lying on your back or bending over at the waist.
Snacking close to bedtime.
Eating certain foods, such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, or spicy or fatty foods.
Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea
Smoking
Being pregnant.
Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, or blood pressure medications.


What Are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease?
Common symptoms of acid reflux are:
Heartburn: A burning pain or discomfort that may move from your stomach to your abdomen or chest, or even up into your throat
Regurgitation: A sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your throat or mouth
Other symptoms of acid reflux disease include:
Bloating
Bloody or black stools or bloody vomiting
Burping
Dysphagia -- the sensation of food being stuck in your throat
Hiccups that don't let up
Nausea
Weight loss for no known reason
Wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness, or chronic sore throat


How Is Acid Reflux Disease Diagnosed?
It's time to see your doctor if you have acid reflux symptoms two or more times a week or if medications don't bring lasting relief. Symptoms such as heartburn are the key to the diagnosis of acid reflux disease, especially if lifestyle changes, antacids, or acid-blocking medications help reduce these symptoms. If these steps don't help or if you have frequent or severe symptoms, your doctor may order tests to confirm a diagnosis and check for other problems. You may need one or more tests such as these:
Barium swallow (esophagram) can check for ulcers or a narrowing of the esophagus. You first swallow a solution to help structures show up on an X-ray.
Esophageal manometry can check the function and movement of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter.
pH monitoring can check for acid in your esophagus. The doctor inserts a device into your esophagus and leaves it in place for 1 to 2 days to measure the amount of acid in your esophagus.
Endoscopy can check for problems in your esophagus or stomach. This test involves inserting a long, flexible, lighted tube with a camera down your throat. First, the doctor will spray the back of your throat with anesthetic and give you a sedative to make you more comfortable.
A biopsymay be taken during endoscopy to check samples of tissue under a microscope for infection or abnormalities.


Can Acid Reflux Disease Be Treated With Diet and Lifestyle Changes?
One of the most effective ways to treat acid reflux disease is to avoid the foods and beverages that trigger symptoms. Here are other steps you can take:
Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and modify the types of foods you are eating..
Quit smoking.
Put blocks under the head of your bed to raise it at least 4 inches to 6 inches.
Eat at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down.
Try sleeping in a chair for daytime naps.
Don't wear tight clothes or tight belts.
If you're overweight or obese, take steps to lose weight with exercise and diet changes.
Also, ask your doctor whether any medication could be triggering your heartburn or other symptoms of acid reflux disease.


Can Acid Reflux Disease Be Treated With Medications?
In many cases, lifestyle changes combined with over-the-counter medications are all you need to control the symptoms of acid reflux disease. Antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, or Riopan, can neutralize the acid from your stomach. But they may cause diarrhea or constipation, especially if you overuse them. It's best to use antacids that contain both magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide. When combined, they may help counteract these gastrointestinal side effects. If antacids don't help, your doctor may try other medications. They require prescription. Your doctor may suggest more than one type or suggest you try a combination of medications such as these:
Foaming agents (Gaviscon) coat your stomach to prevent reflux.
H2 blockers (Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac) decrease acid production.
Proton pump inhibitors (Aciphex, Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix) also reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes.
Prokinetics (Reglan, Urecholine) can help strengthen the LES, empty your stomach faster, and reduce acid reflux.
Don't combine more than one type of antacid or other medications without your doctor's guidance.


Is Acid Reflux Disease Ever Treated With Surgery?
If medications don't completely resolve your symptoms of acid reflux disease and the symptoms are severely interfering with your life, your doctor could recommend surgery. There are two types of surgical treatment used to relieve symptoms of GERD if daily use of medication isn't effective.

The most recently approved procedure involves surgically placing a ring known as a LINX device around the outside of the lower end of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. The ring consists of magnetic titanium beads held together by titanium wires. The device helps reflux by preventing stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus. In one study, patients were able to stop taking medicine or cut down the amount they took. You shouldn't get the LINX device if you're allergic to certain metals, and once you have a LINX device you shouldn't get any type of MRI test.

Another surgical procedure called a fundoplication can help prevent further acid reflux. It creates an artificial valve using the top of your stomach. The procedure involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the LES to strengthen it, prevent acid reflux, and repair a hiatal hernia. Surgeons perform this procedure through either an open incision in the abdomen or chest or with a lighted tube inserted through a tiny incision in the abdomen.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refers to a health condition wherein the stomach acids tend to leak backwards from your stomach into the oesophagus, causing the latter to experience a good amount of irritation, thereby triggering a number of other problems. GERD has a way of affecting people irrespective of their age or gender. Patients who suffer from asthma are at greater risks of encountering the problem of GERD, and some asthma medicines tend to worsen reflux symptoms. However, the effects are indeed two-way in this regard. Acid reflux worsens asthma symptoms by deeply affecting the lungs and airways. Allergic reactions might also be brought about as a result of such a condition.

Symptoms

GERD is a condition that everyone has experienced at one point or the other in their lives. It generally happens when on burping you are left with a bit of an acid taste that lingers in your mouth, followed simultaneously by a case of heartburn. A sure way to ascertain this condition is to check for the following symptoms:

Sudden and excessive rise in saliva
Acid regurgitation
Gums show inflammation
Sore throat that is chronic
Bad breath
Cavities
Encountering pain or difficulty while swallowing
Hoarseness or laryngitis
Chest pain
How can it be treated?

The prime treatment measure for GERD is to adopt necessary lifestyle changes so that you may nurture better health. In case you happen to be overweight, it is important that you look into the matter of weight loss.

Medicines must be taken along with a lot of water, and doctors must ensure that prescribed medications do not actually worsen your heartburn.

Over-the-counter medications and antacids can be used every once in a while after meals, but it does one good to remember that the effects don’t last for long. Side effects of excessive dosage of antacids include constipation or diarrhoea.

Proton pump inhibitors might also be recommended in acute cases of GERD to reduce the total amount of acid that is manufactured in your stomach. H2 blocker is another antidote that aims at reducing the level of acid that is released in your stomach.

Anti-reflux surgery is also prescribed for those people whose symptoms persist despite a change in medications and lifestyle patterns. An endoscopic surgery is another important procedure that may be opted for in order to correct GERD.

Here are some foods that may cause acidity-

- Caffeine: A cup of coffee or tea in a day is fine; however, more than that may lead to acid reflux, due to excess caffeine content in them. The consumption of caffeine leads to an increased secretion of gastric acid in the stomach causing acidity. Never drink tea or coffee on an empty stomach.

- Citrus Fruits (Only when eaten on an empty stomach): Fruits are undoubtedly healthy; however, some of the citrus fruits can cause acidity especially when eaten on an empty stomach. Citrus fruits like orange, lemon, tomato, berries, et al are highly acidic and may cause heartburn. Never consume these fruits on an empty stomach as it will only worsen the case.

- Soda: Soda and other carbonated drinks are responsible for causing acid in the stomach. The increased pressure of bubbles further contributes to reflux. In fact, soda has caffeine too, which can contribute in causing acidity.

- Alcohol: Various alcoholic beverages like beer and wine not only increase the gastric acid in the stomach, but also dehydrate the body causing major acid formation.

- Fatty Foods: They are highly acidic in nature plus they tend to stay for longer in the stomach, increasing the chances of acidity. Instead, switch to lean meats and baked foods for a healthier stomach.

- Spicy Foods: Excess consumption of spicy foods can wreak havoc on your health. Chilies, garam masala and pepper are all acidic in nature. Eating them frequently may cause acid reflux.

- Chocolate: They may taste heavenly, but it could prove to be quite a culprit when it comes to your tummy. It contains caffeine and other stimulants like theobromine that causes reflux. It is high in fat content, which also causes #acidity and its excess cocoa content which is also responsible for promoting reflux.

गॅस्ट्रोएसोफेगल रिफ्लक्स डिसिज (GERD):छातीत जळजळणे

गॅस्ट्रोएसोफेगल रिफ्लक्स डिसिज (GERD) मध्ये पोटाचे एक अॅसिड पुन्हा अन्ननळीमध्ये जमा होते. हे अॅसिड फूड पाइपच्या लाइनिंगला नुकसान पोहोचवू शकते. यामुळे इनडायजेशनची समस्या होऊ शकते. ही समस्या दिर्घकाळ राहिली तर अल्सर किंवा कँसर सारख्या सीरियस आजारांचे रुप घेऊ शकते. गॅस्ट्रोएंट्रोलॉजिस्ट डॉ. GERD च्या 11 संकेतांविषयी आणि यापासून बचाव करण्याविषयी सांगत आहेत...

अनियमित जेवण हे अॅसिडिटीचं मुख्य कारण आहे. अशात जर गॅसेस आणि वाताचा त्रास सुरू झाला तर शरीरात समस्याच समस्या सुरू होतात. डोकेदुखी , कंबरदुखी, पोटदुखी, छातीत जळजळ सारख्या समस्या त्यामुळं सुरू होऊ शकतात.

ज्यांना अॅसिडिटीचा त्रास होतो त्यांना त्यापासून वाचण्यासाठी काही घरगुती उपाय आहेत. वेगवेगळी औषधं तर आपण घेतोच... या उपायांचाही वापर करून बघावा...

1. पाणी - पाणी पिणं आणि ते योग्य पिणं गरजेचं आहे. पाणी कमी पिल्यानं अॅसिडिटीचा त्रास होतो. हा त्रास होवू नये म्हणून दिवसभरात कमीतकमी 8 ग्लास पाणी पिणं गरजेचं आहे. जेव्हाही तुम्हाला गॅसचा त्रास होत असेल, तेव्हा पाणी प्या... जेव्हा गॅसेसचा त्रास होईल जास्तीत जास्त पाणी प्या, त्यामुळं अॅसिड बाहेर पडेल, सोबतच गॅसची समस्या लगेच कमी होईल.

2. आलं – गॅसपासून मुक्ती मिळविण्यासाठी आलं खूप चांगलं औषध म्हणून उपयुक्त आहे. थोडसं कोरडं आलं चहात टाकून प्यायल्यानं गॅसेसपासून लगेच आराम मिळतो. आल्यात एंटी-बॅक्टेरिअल आणि एटी-इन्फ्लामेंट्री तत्त्व असतात. त्यामुळं पोट आणि इसोफेगसच्या समस्या दूर करण्याची क्षमता त्यांच्यात आहे. यामुळं पोटात गॅस क्रिएट करणारे बॅक्टेरिया मारले जातात. आल्याचं एक तुकडा तुपात शेकून काळं मीठ लावू खाल्ल्यानं गॅसेसपासून मुक्ती मिळते. तसंच कोरड्या आल्याचा काढा पण उपयुक्त असतो.

3. अननस – अननसात पाचक एंन्झाइम उपलब्ध असतात. गॅसच्या समस्या असेल तर अल्कलाइन असलेले पदार्थ खावे. अननसातही अल्कलाईन असतं. म्हणून अननस खाल्ल्यानं किंवा त्याचा ज्यूस पिल्यानं गॅसेसपासून आराम मिळतो. मात्र एक लक्षात ठेवा नेहमी पिकलेलं अननसच खा. कार कच्च्या अननसामुळं पोटाला आराम नाही तर अधिक त्रास होतो.

4. जिरं – जिरं खाल्ल्यानं पाचनक्रियेशी संबंधित समस्या दूर होतात. म्हणून जेव्हा आपल्याला गॅसची समस्या असेल, तेव्हा एक चमचा जिरे पावडर थंड्या पाण्यात घोळून प्या, खूप फायदा होईल.

5. बटाटा- आपण म्हणाल गॅसेस दूर करण्यासाठी बटाट्याचा वापर कसा काय होऊ शकतो, मात्र बटाट्याचा ज्यूस पिल्यानं सुद्धा गॅसेसपासून आराम मिळतो. बटाटा ज्यूस अल्कलाइनचा एक उत्तम स्रोत आहे. याचा ज्यूस बनविण्यासाठी कच्चे बटाटे सोलून पाण्यात टाकून मिक्सरमधून त्याचा ज्यूस करून घ्यावा. नंतर त्याला गाळून त्यात थोडं गरम पाणी मिसळून प्यावं. गॅसपासून आराम मिळेल. हा ज्यूस लिव्हरलाही स्वच्छ करतो.

6. पुदीना - जर आपल्याला गॅस आणि अॅसिडिटीचा जास्त त्रास असेल तर पुदीना आपल्याला लगेच आराम देईल. पुदीन्याचे काही पानं चावून घ्या किंवा पुदीन्याचा चहा बनवून प्या, गॅसपासून आराम मिळेल.

7. काळी मिरी - मिरेही गॅसच्या समस्येपासून आपल्याला मुक्ती देवू शकते. जवळपास अर्धा ग्राम मिरेपूड सहदात मिसळून घेतल्यानं आराम मिळतो.

8. हळद – हळदीत अँटी-इन्फ्लामेंट्री आणि अँटी-फंगल तत्त्व असतात. अनेक आजारांवर ती औषधाचं काम करते. विशेष करून पोटासंबंधी आजार. थोडी हळद थंड्या पाण्यात घ्या आणि मग दही किंवा केळं खा. गॅसेसपासून आराम मिळेल.

9. नारळ पाणी - नारळ पाणी गॅसेसपासून आराम देणारं उत्तम औषध आहे. यात व्हिटॅमिन आणि पोषकत्त्वे भरपूर असतात. पोटासंबंधी व्याधी त्यामुळं दूर होतात. जेव्हा आपल्याला गॅसेसचा त्रास होत असेल तेव्हा 2 ते 3 वेळा नारळ पाणी प्या, आराम मिळेल.

10. लवंग – लवंग एक असा मसाला आहे की, जो गॅसेसच्या समस्येवर उत्तम औषध आहे. लवंग चघळ्याने किंवा लवंग पावडर सहदात मिसळून खाल्ल्यानं अॅसिड रिफ्लक्स आणि गॅसच्या समस्येपासून आराम मिळतो.

11. पपई – पपईत बिटा-कॅरोटीन मोठ्या प्रमाणात असतं. जेवण लवकर पचविणारे तत्त्व पपईत आढळतात. पपईमध्ये पॅपिन नावाचं एन्झाईम असतं, जे खूप फायदेकारक असतं. गॅसेसचा त्रास होत असेल तर जेवण कमी करा आणि त्यानंतर काळं मीठ घालून थोडी पपई खा. बद्धकोष्ठता आण गॅसेस सारख्या समस्येतून तुमची सुटका होईल.