What to Do if You Have GERD

What to Do if You Have GERD

Pamela Bandelaria |Apr 1, 2021

How to Treat GERD

You may have heard of it, but what is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Is it serious or something to be worried about? This article will explain GERD’s causes, symptoms, and both medical and non-medical treatment options. So, let’s find out how to treat GERD.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition wherein acid from the stomach goes back up through the esophagus (the passageway that connects the mouth and stomach). This can cause pain and discomfort in the chest and throat area. GERD is commonly called heartburn or acid reflux. This is because the type of discomfort is characterized as a burning sensation in the chest area.

What Causes GERD?

There are many ways by which GERD can occur. As previously mentioned, GERD occurs because of the reflux of acid. Normally, this is prevented by the contraction of a ring of muscle at the end of the esophagus. When this weakens, the stomach’s acid goes back up the digestive tract, irritating the lining of the esophagus.

This muscle can weaken through a variety of causes. Smoking can weaken it, and some medications can trigger acid reflux as well. Medications such as muscle relaxers, iron supplements, pain relievers, potassium supplements, and medications to control blood pressure are among those that can worsen or trigger acid reflux.

Acid reflux can also occur because of increased pressure in the abdomen, which can push stomach contents up the esophagus.

Who Can Have GERD?

Anybody can have GERD, but some people are predisposed to have it more than others.

Usually, this condition occurs in the older age group. People who have a family history of GERD or heartburn are at increased risk of having the same disorder, suggesting a genetic link to the illness.

Pregnancy and obesity are also conditions wherein GERD would most likely occur due to the increased pressure in the abdomen. Those with other illnesses such as a hernia can also have a greater chance of having GERD. Activities such as smoking can impair the muscle and destroy mucus membranes, increasing the risk of developing GERD.

What Are the Symptoms of GERD?

Symptoms that are suggestive of GERD include:

  • Chest pain, usually a burning sensation that is worse at night
  • Chest discomfort (sensation of movement of fluid up and down the chest)
  • A sensation of a lump in the throat or difficulty swallowing
  • Bitter or sour taste in the mouth or regurgitation of good
  • Chronic cough
  • Sleeping problems
  • Sore throat or hoarseness of voice

Chest pain is common and worse at night because the reflux is more significant when lying down. Sometimes chest pain is a cause of worry or anxiety because it may mimic heart problems and can be confused with a heart attack.

What Tests Are Done to Diagnose GERD?

Although it can be diagnosed from patient history and a physical exam, the following tests can also diagnose GERD.

Endoscopy

A thin tube with a tiny camera is inserted into the throat and esophagus. This checks any erosions or structural problems in the gastrointestinal tract.

Esophageal Manometry

A pressure-sensitive tube is passed through the nose to the stomach. This measures the pressure of muscle contractions and checks the muscle function of the gastrointestinal tract.

GERD can also be diagnosed through 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring to measure the acidity that goes through the esophagus within 24 hours. These tests are usually done if GERD does not resolve after medical or non-medical remedies.

What Can Happen if I Have GERD?

GERD can be a cause of discomfort for some, especially if it occurs frequently. If severe, it can interfere with daily activities and affect the quality of life. GERD also has some serious complications that must be noted.

It can cause erosion or narrowing of the esophageal wall. Repeated exposure of the esophagus to acid can cause damage and changes in the cellular composition of the esophageal lining. This is a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus should be monitored because patients with this condition may develop esophageal cancer. This is why GERD must be treated and controlled as soon as symptoms are noticed.

How Do I Treat GERD?

So, want to know how to treat GERD? Treatment options for GERD may be medical or non-medical. Non-medical treatment options include at-home remedies that are simple and easily accessible to alleviate symptoms of GERD. Non-medical options include:

  • Lifestyle changes, including weight loss if you are overweight
  • Quitting smoking
  • Avoiding foods that can trigger acid reflux, such as carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, caffeinated beverages such as coffee or tea, fatty or fried foods, spicy foods, and alcohol
  • Discontinuing or changing any medications that can cause acid reflux

Simple techniques after eating or before bedtime also can significantly help in controlling GERD. These include not immediately lying down after a meal and sleeping with your upper body elevated (you can use a foam wedge support to help).

If the symptoms persist or do not improve, you will need to seek medical treatment options. The most common treatment options belong to a class called proton pump inhibitors. This group of drugs controls acid production in the stomach. Antacids are another group of drugs that can help in the reduction of acid exposure. A physician should prescribe these medications as they may have side effects. Severe and persistent cases of GERD can require surgical intervention.

GERD is a common illness and can easily be diagnosed and treated. There are many options as well for patients who have this condition. It is best to consult a doctor if symptoms of GERD occur frequently and do not improve with non-medical treatment. A doctor’s evaluation can help determine whether medical treatment is needed.

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Experiencing Frequent Urination or Leaking? You Might Have OAB

Staff Writer | April 1, 2021

How You Can Stop the Leakage Overactive bladder (OAB) refers to symptoms rather than a disease. It is used to describe the phenomenon of people experiencing urinary issues. Some products that help include Comfort Medical and PureWick. Treatments for an Overactive Bladder Treatments will vary depending on what exactly is wrong. Most cases of OAB do not require invasive intervention. Some of the most common treatments recommended are: Lifestyle changes: Introducing some exercise routines in your life can help strengthen muscles. Plus, it can fight obesity, which can help reduce the chances of suffering from OAB. Some experts recommend that you try to put your bladder on a schedule. By training your bladder to know what you can and cannot do, you can shape your behavior. Some also recommend “bladder training,” where you try to delay urination when you feel the urge to grow in increasing durations to strengthen your ability to “hold it”. Using protective, absorbent padding can be a last resort if you cannot adjust your behavior. This will allow you to avoid embarrassing accidents. Medication: Some prescription medications can be sued to help strengthen areas of the body or “relax” your bladder. Some common medications include: tolterodine, darifenacin, fesoterodine and mirabegron. Botox: Botox does not just flatten our wrinkles. Small injections of Botox into bladder tissue can offer temporary relief from bladder problems. It sometimes has the side effects of increased UITs and urinary retention. Nerve stimulation: Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation has also been shown to help with OAB. It works by sending electrical signals from a nerve in your leg to nerves connected with bladder control. Surgery: For those suffering from severe symptoms, surgery is the last option. It can involve increasing the size of the bladder or replacing the bladder with a surgically constructed replacement. 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Rather than leak during an episode of sudden urges, those suffering from SUI leak during physical activities which would strain the region including sneezing, laughing or stretching. Frequent urination: Frequently needing to use the bathroom is not always a sign that you drank too much. If you constantly need to go to the bathroom a lot throughout the day (especially to the point where it begins to interfere with your daily life), you may be suffering from OAB. Waking up to pee: The same can be said for those who have to wake up to go to the bathroom. A fully functioning bladder is normally able to hold urine while someone is sleeping. If you frequently have to get up during the night because you need to use the bathroom, you should talk to your doctor about OAB. [youmaylike] Causes of an Overactive Bladder Because OAB is not one disease, but rather an umbrella term to characterize specific urinary symptoms, physicians will need to investigate the underlying cause of your problems. The origin of problems usually arises from areas in the urinary tract itself. Areas of the body likely responsible for an overactive bladder include the following: Kidneys. Bladder. Ureters. Urethra. Sphincter muscle. In Conclusion Talk to a trained physician if you believe you or a loved one may be suffering from an overactive bladder. They will be able to offer expert advice on how to handle your case. This is not the same as someone who suffers from an inability to control their bladder from emptying on its own.

What You Need to Know About Hyperkalemia

Staff Writer | April 1, 2021

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10 Most Common Symptoms of Poor Circulation

John David Abundo | April 1, 2021

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