What is GERD?

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is a long-term condition in which acid from the stomach flows back into the esophagus (the tube that transports food and liquids to the stomach). It seems like heartburn, but it is much more than that. Acid reflux can damage your esophagus over time symptoms include:

What causes GERD?

IT is most common among men and women between 30 and 50 years old. Many things can cause GERD, including lifestyle factors such as being obese or pregnant, having diabetes, smoking cigarettes, devouring large meals, eating spicy foods heavily, drinking alcohol heavily, or standing up for an extended period. Other exacerbating factors include taking certain medications, such as aspirin, certain drugs, including estrogen and steroids. Structural abnormalities may also cause it in the body, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.

How do you get relief from GERD?

There are many remedies available to people who suffer from symptoms. The best method of getting relief depends on individual factors, such as lifestyle choices and medication. remedies include:

– Eating small meals instead of large ones 

– Avoiding foods that cause heartburn (almost all types) such as fried food, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, or dairy (especially greasy dairy) products

– Losing weight if you are overweight or obese decreases symptoms. This is one of the most effective remedies.

– Swallowing tablets that reduce acid in your stomach (such as antacids like Tums ) at the first sign of symptoms to stop it from worsening and becoming more painful and uncomfortable.

How do you sleep with GERD?

It is important not to sleep after eating, exacerbating symptoms. It would help if you ate a balanced meal, approximately three hours before going to bed. If this is not possible, try making an effort to stay upright for at least two hours after eating. It is a long-term condition that can be managed with remedies. If symptoms impact your sleeping habits, talk to your doctor about medications and lifestyle changes you can make to get relief from it. If symptoms become severe and do not improve with remedies, talk to your doctor about surgery. Surgery is a surgical procedure called fundoplication that reduces symptoms. Surgery can even stop GERD from recurring. GERD is a long-term condition that requires remedies to be manageable. Still, surgery should only be considered as a last resort.

If you have been diagnosed with GERD, your doctor may recommend remedies for short- or long-term relief. If these remedies do not work for you, consider discussing GERD surgery with your doctor. It is important to remember that lifestyle changes are the most effective remedies; however, sometimes, the proper medication, including antacids like Tums or prescription medications, is required to treat GERD symptoms. Find that despite implementing lifestyle changes and taking all appropriate GERD remedies, GERD symptoms are severe and recurrent. It may be time to look into GERD surgery.

Surgery is a remedy with a high success rate for management. Talk to your doctor about GERD remedies and GERD surgery to find relief from symptoms.

If you have been diagnosed with GERD, ask your doctor about remedies and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms. If these remedies do not work for you, consider discussing surgery with your doctor.