What is GERD
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is something that many people experience. In GER, acid from the stomach flows back into the esophagus. If the patient has repeated acid reflux more than twice a week, the doctor may diagnose GERD. When GER happens often , is ongoing , and happens over a period of time , it is called GERD . The esophagus is a tube that food goes down from the mouth to the stomach. Acids in the esophagus cause heartburn and other symptoms and possible damage to the tissue. Book an appointment with Dr. Sobhna Bhatia, the Best GERD Treatment Doctor in Malad right now.
Here are some essential details regarding GERD:
A weak or damaged valve between the stomach and the esophagus may cause GERD.- Dangerous tissue damage can result from stomach acid washing up into the esophagus.
- GERD risk can be decreased by maintaining a healthy weight, giving up smoking, and avoiding specific foods.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids, and other medications, along with lifestyle modifications, may be used to treat GERD.
Symptoms of GERD
Heartburn and regurgitation are GER and GERD's most prevalent symptoms. We have the Best GERD Treatment Doctor in Malad. Other potential signs and symptoms include:- sickness
- pains in the chest
- swallowing problems
- chronic coughing
- Water brash (a mixture of stomach acid and excess saliva)
- The feeling of a lump in the throat is known as the globus sensation.
Causes of GERD
You may occasionally get acid reflux, which is common and usually caused by eating too much, lying down after eating, or eating certain foods. GERD or recurrent acid reflux, on the other hand, can lead to more serious complications and usually has other causes and risk factors.
GERD can happen to people of any age, sometimes without a clear reason. It happens when the valve that prevents stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus weakens or doesn’t close properly.
GERD is more prevalent in humans:
- with obesity or overweight, with increased abdominal pressure are expecting and will affect between 40 and 85 percent of pregnant women.
- who take certain drugs such as calcium channel blockers, antihistamines, sedatives, antidepressants, and some asthma medications
- who smoke and those who are exposed to secondhand smoke
Furthermore, a hiatal hernia occurs when the top of the stomach rises into the chest due to a diaphragmatic opening. GERD is more likely to occur as a result of the esophageal sphincter's decreased pressure. Make an appointment with Dr. Sobhna Bhatia, the Best GERD Treatment Doctor in Malad.
How is GERD diagnosed?
Anyone who frequently experiences symptoms of acid reflux should consult their physician, who may recommend a gastroenterologist—a specialist in gut medicine—for additional testing.
GERD can be diagnosed using a number of tests, such as:
- Esophageal pH and impedance monitoring: This measures how much acid is in the esophagus during various body functions, such as eating or sleeping.
- An upper gastrointestinal endoscope is a tube with a camera on the end that looks inside the esophagus. At the same time, a small sample of tissue can be taken for biopsy.
- Upper GI series: A type of X-ray that looks at specific physical problems that can cause GERD.
- Esophageal manometry: This gauges the esophageal muscles' contractions during swallowing. It has the ability to gauge the sphincter's strength.
- Bravo wireless esophageal pH monitoring: This test involves attaching a tiny, transient capsule to the esophagus. This continuously measures the acidity for about 48 hours.Thus, contact us as we have the Best GERD Treatment Doctor in Malad.