Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease - GERD

	What is Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease
	What are the Symptoms of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease
	What causes Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease
	How is Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease treated
	What are the long term complications of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease

What is Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a more serious form of the more common condition Gastro Esophageal Reflux (GER), which occurs when the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) opens spontaneously, for differing periods of time, or fails to properly close allowing the stomach contents to rise upto the esophagus. GER is also called Acid Reflux or Acid Regurgitation, since acids (digestive juices) also rise with the food.

Chronic Reflux that occurs more than twice a week is considered Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease, which can eventually degenerate into more serious health complications. GERD can affect people of all ages.

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What are the symptoms of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease

The main symptom of GERD is heartburn, also known as Acid Indigestion. Another common symptom of GERD is difficulty in swallowing, a persistent dry cough and possible asthmatic symptoms.

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What causes Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease

Research shows that in people affected with GERD, the LES relaxes whilst the esophagus is still working. Hiatal Hernias may also contribute to GERD.

Other parameters that may contribute to GERD include

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Smoking

Some common foods may also worsen the reflux, including

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Citrus Fruits
• Chocolate
• Fried Foods
• Garlic
• Onions
• Mint
• Spicy Foods
• Foods containing Tomato Sauce (spaghetti sauce, chili, pizza etc)
• tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili, and pizza

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How is Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease treated

Usual treatment for GERD includes Antacids or other OTC reflux medications. If after using such medications for two weeks, the symptoms persist, seek the medical advice.

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, several life-style changes may be required:

Stopping Smoking

Avoid and food types or beverages which worsen symptoms

Weight Loss

Smaller, more frequent meals

Antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer or Maalox, are typically the first medications prescribed to relieve heartburn and other GERD symptoms. Other medications are available which include various salt combinations, such as Magnesium, Calcium and Aluminum. These salts can be the cause of several side-effects including diarrhea or constipation, so they are usually combined into a single product to counteract these side-effects.

Using an Aloe Vera product has also shown benefits in the treatment of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. The active ingredients in the Aloe Vera have a soothing effect on the stomach acid effects and can provide relief ulcers.

Seek medical advice before undergoing any kind of medication treatment, even if using OTC medications or natural products such as Aloe Vera.

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What are the long-term complications of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease

Chronic GERD that goes undiagnosed can be the root cause of serious health complications. Chronic swelling of the esophagus from the refluxed stomach acids can burn the lining and cause bleeding or ulcers to develop on the esophagus. Narrowing of the esophagus can occur, leading to difficulty in swallowing. Over time, Esophageal Cancer can develop which is often fatal.

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