Gerd Symptoms

What is GERD?

You have got one thing right. GERD is an acronym for the disease astroesophageal reflux disease. As the full form of GERD implies, it’s a gastrointestinal disease. We have heard many gastrointestinal diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. GERD is another such disease. This disease occurs when the stomach acid goes back inside the esophagus, which can actually damage the esophagus. This condition could be a result of slow digestion process, which can be quite harmful to the person. Therefore, the article analyzes some of the common GERD symptoms.

Some common GERD symptoms

 

If the GERD occurs only for a minor time, it causes a few symptoms, which include heartburn and nausea. One of the most common symptoms of low digestion is heartburn. Sometimes, this burn spreads all the way to the throat, and causes a sour taste in the mouth. For many people, it can lead to dry cough, hoarseness or sore throat. You might also feel as if you have a lump in your throat, if you suffer from uncomplicated GERD. There may be acid reflux known as regurgitation of food or sour liquid.

However, if you are suffering from complicated GERD, then the symptoms could get a bit dangerous. These include ulcers and strictures of the esophagus. It can lead to inflammation of the lung and collection of fluid in the sinuses and the middle ear. Not only this, but some people may suffer from asthma.

So, when does it get quite dangerous?

You need to know when you need to seek the attention of the doctor. If you experience chest pain, along with shortness of breath and other symptoms, such as pain in the left arm, then you need to rush to the doctor IMMEDIATELY. There shouldn’t be any other thoughts about it. You MAY be experiencing a heart attack. Moreover, if you suffer from heartburn at least twice a week, you should consult a doctor, as well. Additionally, if you suffer constantly from any of the GERD symptoms mentioned above, visit your healthcare provider pronto.

How does GERD get checked?

There are different ways of getting GERD checked. Some of these include trial of treatment, endoscopy, biopsy, X-Ray, 24 hour esophageal testing and emptying studies of the stomach. Your doctor will prescribe the correct check, according to your GERD symptoms.

How to treat these GERD symptoms?

If you suffer from GERD, chances are that you are taking a type of food, which your stomach and intestine does not respond well to. Perhaps you eat out a lot, or you eat spicy foods at home. Moreover, your lifestyle does not suit your stomach digestive process. You may not exercise much. Therefore, You need to change your lifestyle, if you experience GERD symptoms. You can also use antacids, histamine antagonists, foam barriers and in some cases surgery and endoscopy. This is predominately the case when you suffer from extreme GERD.

Eat healthy and stay healthy!