What Is Acid Reflux and GERD: Know Everything About!
Acid Reflux and heartburn are common problems people face occasionally; these are the straight signs of indigestion. However, if you experience them more than twice per week, you may have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). According to the reports, almost 20% of the American people confront GERD. Moreover, it can affect people of any age, which is a concern. Most people do not understand the seriousness of acid reflux and GERD. But it is important to know that if GERD is left untreated, it may lead to complications.
Acid reflux, heartburn and GERD are similar terms, and people use them interchangeably. However, there is a thin line between all the terms, which may lead to long-lasting problems.
Acid Reflux – A condition when the stomach acid flows backwards into the tube that connects your throat to your stomach, called the oesophagus.
GERD – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is the severe condition of acid reflux
Heartburn – A symptom of acid reflux and GERD.
Now you understand that GERD is the next stage of acid reflux. However, treatment is necessary before the problem becomes serious and uncontrollable. Let’s learn about acid reflux causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Acid Reflux Causes
Several factors contribute to acid reflux and GERD. Here are the major causes of acid reflux that may lead to GERD.
- Eating large and heavy meals and lying down after it
- Eating close to bedtime
- Consumption of foods such as tomato, mint, garlic, onions, chocolate, or spicy and fatty items
- Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea in large amount
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Overweight
- Tacking a few medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, and blood pressure medications.
These are common acid reflux symptoms. However, there may be other reasons, such as irregular eating habits, overeating, etc.
Acid Reflux Symptoms
The symptoms of Acid reflux and GERD are almost similar. By understanding acid reflux symptoms, you can reduce the chances of GERD, as it is the next stage of acid reflux. So, the common symptoms of acid reflux are-
- Heartburn (Feeling of burning in the chest and discomfort in the throat and stomach)
- Regurgitation (a sour or bitter taste in the mouth)
- Dysphagia (the feeling of food stuck in your throat)
- Bloating
- Bloody or black stools
- Frequent burping
- Hiccups
- Nausea
- Weight loss for no reason
- Wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness
- Bad breath
- Chest pain
- Asthma
If you are experiencing these acid reflux and GERD symptoms, consult with the doctor and get the treatment immediately before it turns into any other chronic condition.
Acid Reflux Treatment
Several over-the-counter medicines like Pan 40 tablets are available in the market, but home remedies are the best remedy for acid reflux treatment. A few considerable steps can help you reduce acid reflux symptoms. Here is what you need to do to manage acid reflux and GERD.
Manage your weight
If you are overweight and confronting signs of GERD, you need to manage your weight to reduce the chances of associated risks. To do this, practise regular exercise.
Eat mindfully
If you frequently experience acid reflux symptoms, you should examine your diet to identify foods that trigger the risk of acid reflux, such as citrus fruit juices.
Limiting the consumption of such foods can reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Eat less and sit more
Many of us prefer to lay in bed just after eating food, which can be the reason for acid reflux and GERD. Eating a few meals and sitting after consumption reduces the chances of heartburn.
Consume low-acid foods
Nothing is more helpful in acid reflux than altering your diet. Eating low-acid foods can reduce the effect of heartburn.
Quit smoking
If you have acid reflux and GERD and you smoke, quit smoking. It can improve your condition. Excessive smoking damages the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES), which is responsible for preventing stomach acids from going back to the tube.
Try relaxation techniques
Some relaxing techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and walking, can help the body stay calm and promote digestion, leading to relief from acid reflux and GERD.
Explore herbal remedies
Initial acid reflux symptoms can be treated with herbal remedies, such as Chamomile, liquorice, marshmallow, and slippery elm, which are available as teas.
If you are wondering how to cure GERD permanently, incorporate these teas into your routine. If you have fewer symptoms, you can try these acid reflux treatments at home. However, consulting a healthcare specialist is crucial in case of severe symptoms. Untreated acid reflux and GERD can lead to complications.
Complications Of Untreated Acid Reflux and GERD
Most people do not take it too seriously and avoid taking the treatment. Severe GERD conditions can lead to life-threatening health problems such as
- Esophagitis- inflammation in the oesophagus
- Oesophagal stricture – tighten or narrow the oesophagus
- Barrett’s oesophagus – permanent changes to the lining of your oesophagus
- Esophageal cancer
- Dental problems like tooth enamel erosion and gum disease
To reduce the risks of acid reflux and GERD complications, it is important to take preventive steps to manage the symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four stages of GERD?
The four stages of GERD are –
- Stage 1 – Mild and infrequent symptoms
- Stage 2 – Moderate symptoms that are experienced twice a week
- Stage 3 – Persistent cough and changes to your voice
- Stage 4 – Precancerous lesions in the oesophagus
What is the fastest way to cure acid reflux and GERD?
Changes in your diet are the fastest and best way to cure acid reflux and GERD. Considerable alteration of the diet may cure the problem permanently. So, identify the foods that provide you relaxation in this condition and add them to your diet.
What can I drink to get rid of acid reflux?
Soothing drinks like herbal tea, plant-based milk, non-citrus fruit juices, coconut water, and sometimes just regular water can help reduce acid reflux symptoms.
When should I see my healthcare provider about acid reflux?
If you experience heartburn or other symptoms frequently, almost two times a week, you should immediately consult a professional doctor to prevent associated risks.
What to do during an acid reflux attack?
Acid reflux attack means experiencing symptoms like heartburn, burping, hiccups, etc. You should-
- Stand up
- Take a sip of water
- Lose your clothes
- Walk a few steps