What is GERD?
GERD or Acid Reflux is also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. GERD can be a health condition where the stomach acid flows back up the esophagus. The acid may cause a burning sensation in the chest and throat, trouble swallowing, or coughing. It is a condition where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. As reported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), about 20% of individuals in the US are affected by GERD.
Symptoms of GERD
The main sign of GERD is acid reflux. It mainly causes an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest, which gradually increases from your neck to the throat. This GERD symptom is also known as heartburn. If you are suffering from GERD, you probably have a bitter or sour taste in the back of the mouth most of the time. It can also be the main reason for the regurgitation of liquid or food from the stomach into the mouth. Along with these, some other significant symptoms of GERD are as follows,
- Bad breath
- Hoarse voice
- Chronic cough
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Pain during swallowing
- Chest pain
- Nausea
What causes GERD?
There is no particular reason that causes GERD. However, there is a specific mechanism in our body that exists, and if that mechanism does not work correctly, it causes GERD. The mechanism is known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). At the base of our esophagus, there is a spherical band of muscle. When you swallow, it settles and expands when it’s working correctly. After that, it tightens and closes again. It is known as LES. And when the LES does not tighten or seal properly, GERD occurs. This permits your stomach’s digesting juices and other substances to ascend into your esophagus.
Some additional possible causes of GERD are,
Frequently consuming large meals – May cause distension in the upper part of the stomach.
Hiatal Hernia – When a portion of the abdomen extends above the esophagus, and towards the heart, this is called diaphragmatic dilation. It’s more likely that your LES won’t be able to execute its job correctly if your esophagus is weakened.
Immediately lying down after consuming a large meal reduces the pressure, which is insufficient for the LES to work appropriately.
GERD side effects and risk factors
A wide range of risk factors is associated with GERD. As discussed before, there is no particular reason that causes GERD, but a few elements in the form of lifestyle choices are present that surge the chances of GERD. Here is the list of GERD risk factors.
- Having obesity
- Smoking
- Health conditions like connective tissue disorder
- Staying under fatigue
- Eating certain foods like fast foods, citrus juices, tomatoes, onions, mint, etc.
- Consuming certain types of drinks such as alcohol, coffee, and soda.
- Utilizing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin
- Being pregnant
And the GERD side effects are,
- Disrupted sleeping
- Chronic cough
- Asthma
- Laryngitis
It is really important to know about different aspects of GERD so that you can avoid suffering from this disease.
