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Acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease in Adults

esophagus reflux 4

Stomach produces acid for digestion of food. When this acid comes back into the food pipe, it is called acid reflux.

When acid reflux causes annoying symptoms or harm, doctors call it “gastroesophageal reflux disease” or “GERD.” Doctor treating such illness is called gastroenterologist or simply a GERD doctor.

The most common symptoms are as follows as per GERD doctor:

  • Heartburn, that is a burning feeling within the chest
  • Regurgitation, that is when acid and undigested food flow into your throat or mouth

Other symptoms may include:

  • Stomach or chest pain
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Having a rasping voice or a sore throat
  • Unexplained cough
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Yes. you would possibly feel better if you follow advise of your GERD doctor:

    • Lose weight (if you’re overweight)
    • Raise the head of your bed by six to eight inches – you’ll be able to do that by putting blocks of wood or rubber below two legs of the bed or a foam wedge beneath the mattress.
    • Avoid foods that make your symptoms worse – for a few people these include coffee, chocolate, alcohol, peppermint, and fatty foods.
    • Stop smoking, if you smoke
    • Avoid late meals – Lying down with a full abdomen will make reflux worse. try and set up meals for a minimum of two to three hours before bedtime.
    • Avoid tight clothing – Some people feel better if they wear comfy clothing that doesn’t squeeze the abdomen area.

As per the GERD doctor, there are certain kinds of medicines that may help with the symptoms of acid reflux. the foremost common are antacids, histamine blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. All of those medicines work by reducing the acid produced by the stomach. however, they each do this in a totally different manner.

  • For gentle symptoms, antacids will help, however, they work just for a short time. Histamine blockers are strong and last longer than antacids. you’ll be able to purchase antacids and most histamine blockers without a prescription.
  • For frequent and additional severe symptoms, proton pump inhibitors are the foremost effective medicines. a number of these medicines are sold-out without a prescription. however, there are different versions that your doctor will prescribe.
  • Foods to be taken for GERD

Some folks will manage their acid reflux on their own by changing their habits or taking non-prescription medicines. however, you must see a GERD doctor if:

  • Your symptoms are severe or last long
  • You cannot seem to manage your symptoms
  • You have had symptoms for several years

You should also see a GERD doctor promptly if you:

  • Have trouble swallowing, or feel like food gets “stuck” on the way down
  • Lose weight when you aren’t trying to
  • Have chest pain
  • Choke when you eat
  • Vomit blood or have stools that are red, black, or seem like tar

If your kid or adolescent has acid reflux, take him or her to examine a doctor. don’t provide your kid medicines to treat acid reflux without talking to a doctor.

In kids, acid reflux may be caused by a variety of issues. it is vital to have a doctor check for these issues before trying any treatments.

Read about reflux disease in children & reflux disease in pregnancy.

Read more about GERD : Mayoclinic & WebMD

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Dr. Harsh J Shah

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