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Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Description

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a digestive disorder characterized by backward flow of acidic contents from the stomach into the lower part of esophagus. The acid reflux irritates and damages the lining of esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is an intermittent condition i.e., a person may experience severe heartburn once or twice a week whereas, on other days he might be completely symptom free.

Causes

Known causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease are:

  • Weak lower esophageal sphincter,
  • Untimely relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter.
Risk factors

Prominent risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease are:

  • Hiatal hernia,
  • Young age,
  • Obesity,
  • Pregnancy,
  • Delayed emptying of stomach,
  • Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus,
  • Smoking,
  • Going to bed immediately after eating.
Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms include:

  • A burning sensation in the chest that can radiate to neck and throat known as heart burn
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Weakened tooth surface
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Frequent burps and farts
  • Bitter taste in mouth after a burp
  • Pain in chest, especially while lying down at night or bending down
Diagnosis

A long-standing case of acidity and gastric pain is the hallmark in diagnosing gastro-esophageal reflux disorder and is further confirmed by

  • Endoscopy (a visual of the stomach)
  • pH tests to measure acidity of stomach.
  • Manometry (it is a pressure test to check the muscle strength and activity of food pipe (esophagus))
Management
  1. Routine changes like exercising can aid in digestion and eliminate stress which may contribute to GERD, manage weight, stop eating 2 hours before going to bed, chew properly and then swallow.
  2. Dietary changes: Eat low fat, high protein food, stop smoking and reduce alcohol, reduce caffeine, avoid soft drinks and fast food, avoid spicy foods.
  3. Medication: For severe cases of GERD medications may be prescribed:
  • Proton pump inhibitors
  • H2 Blockers
  • Ant-acids
When to consult a doctor?
  • A doctor should be consulted if the medicines are aggravating your symptoms.
  • If simple measures don’t work to make the condition better, you must visit a Gastroenterologist to guide you for a proper treatment.
  • If acid reflux is not treated it can lead to further complications such as esophagitis (inflammation of our food pipe), Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. Seek medical council and treatment if you experience the symptoms mentioned above.

Available Medicine for Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Cidine 1mg

Rs.360

Highnoon

Cidine 1mg/5ml

Rs.428.4

Highnoon

Cinita 1 mg

Rs.200

Getz Pharma

S.R.D 1 mg

Rs.198

Seraph