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Fundamentals of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease
Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease, abbreviated as GERD is basically a disorder, which affects the sphincter mechanism between the esophagus (food pipe) and your stomach.Normally the muscular ring between the lower end of esophagus and stomach, known as the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) opens during swallowing and closes immediately so that food does not get back into the esophagus from the stomach. In this disorder, this sphincter mechanism is defective and thus acid and food from the stomach refluxes back into the esophagus to cause symptoms.Long standing reflux causes inflammation of the lower end of esophagus called esophagitis. It can also lead to ulceration, narrowing of the lower end of esophagus and Barrett’s esophagus (precancerous).
Risk factors for developing a Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease
On a general note, these are the overall causes, for patients to develop GERD. And, they are
Symptoms associated with GERD
Diagnosis of GERD
The doctor performs few tests to diagnose Reflux disease in you, these include-
Treatment options for curing GERD
The treatment usually starts off with over the counter medicines to neutralize or control the acid reflux
Medical Treatment – Your doctor gives you strong medicines called proton pump inhibitors to reduce acid production. These provide symptom relief for up to 12 hours. These medicines probably have to be taken lifelong.
Antacids are medicines that neutralize the acid and may provide quick symptomatic relief. Diarrhea and constipation are side effects of antacid overuse.
Drugs to improve the function of the lower esophageal sphincter mechanism include calcium channel blockers and nitrates.
Life style changes - One would need to avoid factors that promote reflux, like avoiding spicy and fatty foods and lying down with head end of bed raised or using extra pillows.
If medical treatment and life style changes don’t work out, surgery is the best and definite treatment of this problem.
Laparoscopic Nissen’s fundoplication – It is the gold standard procedure and is performed by laparoscopy (key hole surgery) in most centers. It involves strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter by wrapping the upper end of stomach around the lower end of esophagus. This would prevent acid reflux and relieve your symptoms.
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