When and how do we teach Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

September 4, 2024
habibakamel

When and how do we teach Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

GERD is a long-standing Gastrointestinal disorder that results in the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. It strikes millions of people worldwide with the incidence being estimated to be as high as 20% among the population of the United States of America only. This is especially true with echoers GERD, which is a condition whereby the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring of muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach does not work as it should at times it fails to close completely, and this allows stomach acids to get into the esophagus and this creates an inflammation.

Causes of GERD

Several factors can contribute to the development of GERD, including: Several factors can contribute to the development of GERD, including:

Overeating or eating too quickly: This can put pressure on the LES thus resulting to its relaxation.

Dietary triggers: It is also important to avoid foods that trigger the symptoms; common foods include citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy foods and among others.

Lifestyle factors: Some of the modifiable risk’s factors include alcohol, caffeine which are bestselling beverages, cigarette smoking, and obesity.

Medical conditions: Some other diseases such as diabetes or a condition known as hiatal hernia may also predispose an individual to develop GERD.

Symptoms of GERD

The symptoms of GERD can vary widely but commonly include: The symptoms of GERD can vary widely but commonly include:

Heartburn: It is a sharp burning on chest and sometimes this burning can spread as far as the throat.

Regurgitation: It may be an uneasy feeling of food or acid rising up the food pipe, into the throat and mouth.

Difficulty swallowing: A sensation that there is a lump somewhere in the throat especially when swallowing food.

Coughing or wheezing: A condition that results from the effects of stomach acid on the respiratory tracts.

Chest pain: Often this can be mistaken for a heart attack.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing GERD typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as: Diagnosing GERD typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as:

Endoscopy: A long plastic tube with a camera on its tip is inserted down the throat to see the lining of esophagus and stomach.

Ambulatory acid probe test: Used for assessment of acid content in the esophagus.

pH monitoring: A device keeps records of acid levels for some time.

Treatment options for GERD include:

Lifestyle changes: Staying away from food that causes distress, consuming food in small portions, weight reduction and immediately ceasing smoking.

Medications: To reduce secretion, H2 blockers, and profagHI2 antagonists, and PPIs are some of the most-acting drugs containing antacids.

Surgery: In some rare occasions, surgery is required and the most common operation done is called fundoplication in an attempt to tighten the LES.

Living with GERD

GERD is best handled by adopting some changes in ones’ lifestyles, taking the recommended medicines and avoiding the probable cause. Also, encouragement from staff and possibly involvement in support group as well as, which may help in managing of amnesia socially and emotionally.

From the foregoing analysis of its causes, symptoms and management, GERD can be managed if the affected persons have the necessary information on how to do so.