Do you have a GERD? Or do you have someone you know that does have GERD? GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when the contents of the stomach, including stomach acid and partially digested food, flow backwards into the esophagus. The esophagus is the passageway that connects the oral passageway to the stomach. The usual symptoms of GERD are a sour or bitter taste in the mouth and a burning sensation in the chest and heartburn. Both of these symptoms will usually get worse when the sufferer bends over, lies down, or after eating. Â It can be concluded that the increase in stomach acid in people with GERD can be triggered by poor health or lifestyle conditions. If this condition is not treated, it will lead to more severe disease, therefore it is important for us to know how GERD can occur.
First is the weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter. There is a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter which controls the movement of foods from the esophagus to the stomach and stops stomach acid from returning. If this is weakened or not functioning properly, stomach acid can rise up the esophagus.
Furthermore, the causes of GERD are diet and lifestyle. Consumption of high-fat foods, spicy foods, chocolate, caffeinated drinks, alcoholic beverages, and taking certain medications can trigger GERD. In addition, smoking, being overweight, and sleeping on your side with your head lower than your body can also increase the risk of GERD.
Not only that, Pregnant women are also prone to GERD because of the pressure in the stomach that can trigger GERD.
GERD can be identified by symptoms such as burning in the chest that usually occurs after eating and may worsen at night, chest pain difficulty swallowing, feeling like a lump in the throat chronic cough, laryngitis, and sleep disturbances. To sum up, GERD is a chronic symptom that can be cured, by means of long-term treatment, consulting a doctor for more accurate results, besides that you also have to change your lifestyle such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and limiting foods that can trigger GERD.
