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GERD(Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease)

Gastrointestinal problems are a very common issue in this modern world where lifestyle has changed a lot. GERD, also known as Gastrointestinal Esophageal Reflux Disorder is one of the very common health complications of this genre. It can be associated with a condition known as heartburn which simply has nothing to do with the heart. A recurrent session of heartburn following ingestion of a heavy meal that leads to regurgitation of the meal content in the form of acid reflux is known as GERD.

The most common causes of Gastroesophageal reflux disorder are modern diet and faulty lifestyle and food habits of people.The prevalence of GERD in India rangs from 8-20% according to recently conducted studies.

In GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter muscle is mostly affected which causes the food to regurgitate back through the food pipe in the form of acid reflux.

Certain foodstuffs like chocolates, alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods may trigger the episodes of reflux which causes more irritation. Since these foods stimulate acid secretion, they delay the gastric emptying and hence causes the reflux. In many cases, it is seen physiological conditions like pregnancy and constipation worsens GERD by increased abdominal pressure.

Symptoms of GERD

The common signs and symptoms associated with GERD can be enumerated as follows:

• Heartburn, usually after a meal which may be aggravated at night.
• The sensation of lump formation in the throat.
• Regurgitation of acidic reflux producing a sour effect in the mouth.
• Difficulty in gulping food.
• Chest pain
• A chronic cough or a sore throat
• A sensation of fullness.
• Sleep disruption.

Causes of GERD

Some of the conditions or factors that become responsible for the occurrence of GERD are as follows-

• Decreased muscle tone or abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.
• Reduced motility of the stomach which enhances food to stay for long in the stomach. This condition is also known as gastric stasis.
• Hiatal hernia.
• Obesity.

Management of GERD

Doctors mostly recommend dietary and lifestyle modification to get relief from GERD problem. These are some of the precautions that can be initiated to avoid GERD.

• Factors like chocolates, caffeine, spices, and alcohol should be avoided so that reflux is not triggered.
• GERD can result in a severe pain in the abdomen which radiates to the back of a person. The pain occurs as a result of the reflux. In order to get relief from GERD, it is very important to drink a lot of water almost every two hours. This would prevent any erosion by the acid secreted in the esophageal region.
• Apart from this, one needs to have a stress free life which would reduce the amount of acid secretion.
• Eating small quantities of food rather than bulk at regular gaping may be beneficial by reducing the incidence of reflux.
• While laying down, it is important to check one’s position. One must keep the foot part of the bed lower than the head and this elevation would prevent the reflux and associated irritation.

Homeopathic treatment:

Amrita Homeopathy offers specially formulated and extensively researched Homeopathy medicine for GERD which is personalised for you based on your body type and daily activities. Our medicines helps the humans as a whole taking into account the stress, nature and individual gastric presentation. The presentation may vary from person to person as each individual is different .You donot have to be dependent on the medicine but over a period of time it will reduce the intensity of burning ,regurgitation and frequency and over a period of time you will be symptom free.It will improve the quality of life and you will be able to enjoy every food you like if taken in moderate quality.It will also help to prevent complications like gastric ulcers and stomach cancer.

Authored By Dr. Sanjay Panicker