Many people suffer from heartburn from time to time. When heartburn becomes more serious and frequent you may be suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic digestive disorder. This disorder affects the lower esophageal sphincter. It brings the contents of the stomach and stomach acid back into the esophagus. The acid reflux irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes the disease, GERD. Acid reflux and heartburn occur often in many different people, but when symptoms occur more than twice a week you may be suffering from GERD. Keep reading to find out more about heartburn and GERD and treatment options.
GERD Symptoms
The symptoms of GERD include:
- Chest pain
- Burning sensation in chest that may spread to the throat
- Sour taste in mouth
- Dry cough
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Regurgitation
- Sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Ear pain
- Erosions from acid on teeth
- Laryngitis
- A feeling that something is stuck in your throat
- Difficulty swallowing
The symptoms of GERD are unpleasant, but if they are severe or occur frequently (more than twice per week) you should make an appointment with your physician. Your doctor will listen to your symptoms and perform a variety of tests to diagnose what is causing your health issues. Common tests used include ambulatory acid (PH) tests, x-rays of the upper digestive system, endoscopy, tissue biopsy, and esophageal motility testing.
The following conditions can increase your risk of developing GERD:
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Dry mouth
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Hiatal hernia
- Scleroderma
Gerd Treatment
GERD can be treated in a variety of ways including diet and lifestyle changes. Diet changes may include avoiding certain trigger foods and beverages that cause you to have heartburn. Lifestyle changes may include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tight clothing, and eating smaller more frequent meals. Many people will use over-the-counter medication to help alleviate the symptoms of heartburn that is caused by GERD. These medications help to neutralize, reduce or block stomach acid. Your doctor may also recommend prescription medications to alleviate symptoms. If treatment with medication is not successful, surgery may be an option. Surgery is done to reinforce or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a common experience that many people suffer from at times. Heartburn is a pain that occurs in your chest. Heartburn is caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. It can be caused by eating certain foods and drinks including alcohol, chocolate, spicy foods, coffee and more. Heartburn that happens infrequently is not a cause for concern and can often be managed with at-home remedies, lifestyle changes, and medications. Heartburn that occurs frequently and interferes with daily living may be a symptom of a serious condition that requires medical attention.
Heartburn Symptoms
The symptoms of heartburn include:
- Burning pain in the chest - Pain generally develops after eating or at night
- Chest pain that gets worse when bending over or lying flat
- Burning at the back of the throat
- Cough
- Sore throat
If the symptoms of heartburn last occur frequently, are severe, or persist despite using medication, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and perform certain tests to determine what may be causing your heartburn. A few of the most common tests administered include X-rays, endoscopy, ambulatory acid probes, esophageal motility testing.
Heartburn Treatment
Heartburn is often treated with over-the-counter medications that help to reduce, neutralize or prevent acid. These medications often effectively treat the symptoms of heartburn, but if they do not, you may need to make an appointment with your doctor for prescription medications.
Home Remedies for Heartburn
There are many home remedies that can help to ease heartburn and its symptoms include:
- Avoid certain foods and drinks that are known to trigger heartburn
- Maintaining a healthy weight and diet
- Avoid eating late at night
- Waiting a few hours after eating before lying down
- Quitting smoking
- Avoid clothing that puts pressure on the abdomen