GERD is a very common condition that affects millions of people around the world. This condition is a more serious version of acid reflux which people often confuse with each other.
The full name of GERD is gastro esophageal reflux disease and it often affects people who are over 40 years old. However, this condition can also affect people as young as 20.
Symptoms
The symptoms of GERD are many but the most common symptoms associated with this condition include:
- A burning sensation in the esophagus and throat.
- A lump in the throat.
- Chest pain or heartburn.
- Asthma.
There are more symptoms associated with GERD but the ones listed above are the most common. If you notice any of these symptoms you should seek medical attention immediately to avoid more serious problems such as a damaged esophagus.
Causes
In order to learn how to get rid of GERD permanently you need to figure out what’s causing your symptoms. There are various causes of GERD but the most common ones are hiatal hernia, poor digestive health, and excessive acid inside the gut.
There are also certain conditions that can lead to GERD symptoms. Some of these underlying conditions that cause GERD include Barret’s esophagus, ulcers, and stricture. If you believe you are suffering from a condition causing your GERD go to your doctor and get a proper diagnosis.
Diagnosis
Doctors usually diagnose GERD by performing an endoscopy. An endoscopy is performed by placing a tube with a camera inside your esophagus to see if there is any damage done.
Another way to diagnose GERD is to get an acid test done on your esophagus. This is performed by extracting a little acid from the esophagus by inserting a thin plastic catheter inside your esophagus.
Treatment
If you’re diagnosed with GERD the first line of treatment would be to switch up your diet and get more active in your lifestyle. Switching your diet will include eating more green vegetables and non-acidic fruits like bananas.
Switching up your diet will also include avoiding certain foods that can trigger your symptoms or make them worse. Some of the foods and beverages known to make GERD worse include chocolate, alcohol, coffee, peppermint, sodas, and acidic foods.
Staying away from foods known to make your GERD symptoms worse is imperative if you really want to get rid of GERD permanently. Click here to find out more about foods and drinks that can cause GERD symptoms to become worse.
Getting more active will include running or playing more sports that keeps your body moving. Along with making lifestyle changes and switching up your diet your doctor may also recommend proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as a treatment.
Proton pump inhibitors help fight off symptoms of GERD by reducing the acid production in the stomach. However, PPIs shouldn’t be used for a long time because they’ll cause several complications that can make your condition worse.
