Welcome to our blog where Dr. Nivedita Pandey, best gastroenterologist in Delhi, will provide valuable insights into Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for GERD, a common digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Dr. Pandey, with her expertise and in-depth knowledge, will guide you through the intricacies of this condition, shedding light on its underlying causes, identifying its symptoms, and offering effective treatment approaches. Whether you are seeking information for yourself or a loved one, this blog will serve as a reliable resource to better understand GERD and explore the available treatment options. So, let’s embark on this informative journey with Dr. Nivedita Pandey as our trusted guide.
What is GERD Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as chronic acid reflux, is a condition in which the oesophagus, which connects the oesophagus and stomach, is prone to acid reflux.
When food enters the stomach, the lower oesophagus, a valve at the end of the oesophagus, fails, causing acid to reflux. Then, as the acid is washed back down your throat, you notice a sour taste in your mouth and throat.
Eventually, everyone deals with acid reflux, almost universally. It is perfectly normal to have occasional heartburn and acid reflux. But if you have acid reflux or heartburn more than twice a week for weeks, take a lot of antacids and heartburn medications, and still have recurrent symptoms, GERD could be causing your symptoms and should be addressed by your doctor. Not only to relieve your symptoms but also because GERD can cause more serious side effects.
What are GERD Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms?
The main symptoms are heartburn and persistent acid reflux. Some people develop (GERD) gastroesophageal reflux disease without experiencing heartburn. They may instead hear stories of chest pain, morning stiffness, or swallowing. Perhaps constipation, tightness in your throat, or food stuck in your throat Other side effects of GERD include a dry cough and bad breath.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms
Typical GERD warning signs and symptoms include:
- Heartburn
- Vomiting
- Chest discomfort
- Upper abdominal ache
- Dysphagia,
- Persistent cough
- Sore throat
- Asthma
GERD develops when stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus, which is where food is swallowed.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Causes
To allow food to pass from the bottom of the oesophagus into the stomach, a muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus expands. It is closed to keep food in the stomach. The term “lower esophageal sphincter” (LES) refers to this muscle. Acid backs up into your oesophagus when your LES relaxes too frequently or for too long.
Some lifestyle factors that may contribute to GERD include:
- excess weight
- Overeating
- Consuming foods high in fat or spice, citrus, chocolate, and other ingredients
- consuming caffeine
- Smoking
- consuming alcohol
Taking aspirin as well as over-the-counter pain and fever relievers They include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Which meals do I need to stay away from if I have gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Changing your diet and eating habits is crucial for controlling gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms. Try to avoid eating foods that give you heartburn.
For instance, many people have heartburn due to:
- spicy cuisine.
- fried food.
- foods high in fat (including dairy).
- Chocolate.
- tomatoes sauces.
- onions and garlic.
- coffee, alcohol, and fizzy beverages.
- fruit with citrus.
Make a note of the foods that give you bad stomach aches. To get help, discuss this with your provider. They will provide you with tips on how to keep track of the meals and times you should eat throughout the day.
How can Gastroesophageal Reflux disease be identified?
Your doctor will examine you physically and inquire about your past health to determine if you have GERD. Some patients with common symptoms could be treated without further investigation.
Other GERD testing might involve:
- Upper endoscopy, or EGD
- Esophageal manometry
- Bernstein test.
- pH monitoring
- Impedance testing
How is GERD diagnosed?
If you experience heartburn that doesn’t seem to go away for a while or other symptoms of GERD, tell your parents and see a doctor.
The doctor will perform an examination and ask about your symptoms. If the doctor suspects GERD, you can consult a gastroenterologist. This is a doctor who treats children and adolescents with gastrointestinal problems.
Doctors sometimes order these tests to diagnose GERD or rule out other possible problems:
Upper GI radiology courses
This particular x-ray can show reflux in the oesophagus, pain or narrowing, and any problems with the upper digestive tract. For the test, you swallow a small amount of chalky liquid (barium). This fluid shows up on the x-ray and shows swallowing.
gastric empty scan.
This can help determine if a person’s stomach is slowly emptying, which can make it easier to reabsorb. For this test, either milk containing the tracer or scrambled eggs containing the tracer are consumed. The orientation and discharge of the tracer that the stomach releases quickly can be detected by specialised equipment without radiation.
Upper endoscope.
Using a tiny fibre-optic camera, doctors scan the digestive tract, stomach, and part of the small intestine. A small sample (biopsy) of the oesophagus can also be taken to rule out or look for other problems. Most patients are given general anaesthesia and are “asleep” during this procedure.
24-hour impedance-ph analysis study
This is the most accurate way to track regression and frequency. The thin, smooth muscle passes through the nose and into the food chain. Its tip sits just above the esophageal sphincter for 24 hours to monitor acid levels in the oesophagus and detect reflux.
When should I make a call to my doctor?
Our hospital is staffed by experienced and highly qualified gastroenterologists who promptly diagnose rare gastrointestinal disorders and provide patient relief.
Call your doctor if you experience heartburn or acid reflux more than twice per week over a period of many weeks, are taking antacids and heartburn medications frequently, and your symptoms keep coming back.
