- 31-Jan-2023
How Do You Fix Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?
When the content of the stomach flows into the esophagus and/or mouth, it is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux, or "acid reflux." Infants, kids, and adults who are in good health can experience occasional reflux; it most frequently occurs after a substantial meal. Most bouts last a short time and don't result in any unpleasant symptoms or problems.
However, if Gastroesophageal Reflux becomes more persistent it causes discomfort and a patient would experience regurgitation, heartburn, difficulty in swallowing along with pain during swallowing. If you or someone you know are suffering from this you should see Best Gastroenterologist in Ahmedabad immediately at Parth Hospital Best Gastroenterology Hospital In Ahmedabad.
The mechanics of Acid Reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease?
When a person eats, the food passes through the esophagus which is a tube-like organ and is about 10 inches long and 1 inch wide in adults and goes from mouth to stomach. The esophagus is formed with many layers of muscle and tissues that contract and expand in wave-like motions called peristalsis. Through peristaltic movement, the food is transferred from mouth to stomach.
The lower esophageal sphincter is a ring-shaped muscle located at the lower end of the esophagus where it joins the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter relaxes and opens after you swallow, allowing food to pass into your stomach and combine with digestive acids to aid in digestion. To stop the food and acid from backing up into your esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter then closes tight.
However, sometimes, the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes improperly, allowing stomach contents to reflux back into the esophagus. It occasionally happens to everyone. The majority of these episodes take place soon after meals, are brief, and are symptomless. In most cases, reflux shouldn't happen when you're asleep.
When acid reflux in certain people results in uncomfortable symptoms or long-term esophageal damage, this condition is known as GERD. In general, frequent acid reflux, very acidic stomach contents, or an inability of the esophagus to quickly remove the acid increase the risk of esophageal injury.
Risk Factors Responsible For Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
A person is more likely to get GERD if certain factors exist, such as:
The ailment known as a hiatus hernia occurs when a portion of the upper stomach pushes through the diaphragm. The esophagus passes through a hole in the diaphragm called the "diaphragmatic hiatus" before joining the stomach; in persons with a hiatal hernia, a portion of the stomach also pushes up through this gap.
Obesity - People who are overweight or obese have a higher chance of developing GERD. Although the causes are not fully known, it is partly related to higher abdominal pressure.
Pregnant - Acid reflux is a common pregnancy symptom for many women. After delivery, this normally gets better, and complications are uncommon.
Drug interactions and lifestyle factors Acid reflux and GERD can be brought on by certain foods (particularly fatty foods, chocolate, and peppermint), caffeine, alcohol, and cigarette smoking. The risk is also increased by some drugs.
SYMPTOMS OF GERD
The most typical signs of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease include:
• Heartburn often manifests as a searing pain in the middle of the chest, which can occasionally migrate to the throat. It typically occurs following a meal.
• Regurgitation.
• Pain in the upper stomach
• Chest ache
• Dysphagia, is a condition where food gets trapped in the esophagus and a person can't swallow.
• Odynophagia or discomfort in swallowing
• Persistent hoarseness or laryngitis (due to the acid irritating the vocal cords)
• Persistent cough or aching throat
• A lump in the throat is felt.
• Vomiting and/or nausea
Complications that may occur due to GERD
Most GERD sufferers won't experience major issues, especially if they receive treatment. However, individuals with severe GERD occasionally experience potentially life-threatening consequences.
• When the esophageal lining is harmed due to exposure to stomach acid, it is known as erosive esophagitis which may result in bleeding ulcers or erosions.
• The esophagus can become scarred and narrowed as a result of acid damage, resulting in a partial blockage that can lead to food or medications becoming stuck there. Scar tissue that forms as a result of ulcers continuously damaging and then healing the esophagus is what causes the constriction.
• Barrett's esophagus – Chronic GERD is the most prevalent cause of Barrett's esophagus, which often develops as a result of recurrent harm to the esophageal lining.
• Over time, there is a slight possibility that the intestinal cells will develop into cancerous ones. As a result, it is suggested that those who have Barrett's esophagus undergo an upper endoscopy on a regular basis to check for any early indications of cancer.
• Lung and throat issues – Inflammation of the vocal cords, a sore throat, or a hoarse voice may result from stomach acid backing up into the throat. Inhaling the acid into the lungs might also result in pneumonia or asthma symptoms. Lung damage that is irreversible might result from lung acid over time.
• Dental issues – Over time, acid reflux episodes that are frequent might destroy the teeth's enamel.
How to fix gastroesophageal reflux disease?
The treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease typically includes
Lifestyle changes - Changes in food and lifestyle can frequently help reduce the symptoms of GERD. Before seeing a doctor if you have minor symptoms, you might try these methods. Before making any adjustments, it's a good idea to consult your doctor if your symptoms are more severe so they can give you advice on how to incorporate these strategies into your treatment plan.
Losing weight - People who lose weight may experience less acid reflux. Losing weight also has a number of additional health advantages, such as a lower risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Elevating your bed's head by six to eight inches - People who experience nighttime heartburn can raise the head of their bed so that their head and shoulders are higher than their stomachs. This will allow gravity to lessen acid reflux and help remove any reflux that does happen.
Avoid eating substances that cause symptoms - Some foods might relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which can result in acid reflux, these include excessive amounts of caffeine, chocolate, wine, peppermint, and fatty foods in some people. It makes sense to limit or avoid specific foods and drinks if you discover that they make your symptoms worse.
Quitting smoking - Smoking decreases saliva production, which is necessary to neutralize refluxed acid. Smoking also leads to frequent episodes of acid reflux in the esophagus by lowering the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter and inducing coughing. Quitting smoking has many other health advantages and can also lessen or even get rid of moderate reflux symptoms.
Avoid eating late - Lying down on a full stomach may make acid reflux more likely. Symptoms may be lessened by scheduling meals for at least two to three hours before bed. For those who experience reflux at night, this is especially true.
Wear comfortable clothing - Wearing loose, comfortable clothing will help to reduce discomfort. Tight clothing can also raise the pressure in the abdomen, which can lead to a hiatus hernia and push stomach contents into the esophagus.
If the Symptoms are severe you must consult the Best Gastroenterologist in Ahmedabad at Parth Hospital for treatment and go for a surgical treatment.
Surgical treatment for GERD If previous therapies have not been able to sufficiently control their symptoms or if they are unable or unable to adhere to a drug schedule. The general goal of "antireflux" surgery is to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter and repair a hiatal hernia. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the name of the most popular surgical surgery.
Despite this, the majority of people claim they are happy with the surgery's long-term results.
Other surgical methods, including less invasive ones, are also employed to treat GERD at the best gastroenterology hospital in Ahmedabad.
Conclusion
Patients with GERD have a narrowing of the esophagus, which can cause a number of symptoms including heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and anemia. Best Gastroenterology Hospital In Ahmedabad, Parth Hospital has Best Gastroenterologist In Ahmedabad that specializes in gastroenterology.
The doctors at the hospital are skilled in diagnosing and treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Our Gastroenterologist In Ahmedabad offers multiple treatments such as proton-pump inhibitors, esophageal sphincterotomy, and fundoplication treatment. At Parth Hospital we also provide diagnostic testing for problems like acid reflux, ulcers, and Barrett's esophagus.
