INTRODUCTION
- GERD stands for Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- About 20 percent of the population is facing this disease.
- GERD disease occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach.
HISTORY
- GERD AWARENESS WEEK began in 1999 when it was added to US National Health Observances Calendar.
- International Foundation encourages people who experience symptoms of GERD to seek treatment.
- Dr. Asher Winkelstein a gastroenterologist first discovered the disease although its various symptoms had appeared in medical records dating back to 1925.
TERMS
- Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux which covers other symptoms such as regurgitation into the throat
- Acid reflux is a symptom of GERD which also covers other symptoms such as wheezing in bed .
CONDITIONS THAT INCREASE GERD
- Obesity
- Hiatus hernia
- Pregnancy
- Scleroderma
- Delayed stomach emptying
- Smoking
- Certain medications such as aspirin
- Certain foods which trigger GERD such as fried food, fatty food.
- Large meals
- Late night meals
- Alcohol
- Coffee
4 STAGES OF GERD
-
Mild GERD (stage 1):-
Mild symptoms appear once or twice a month .life style changes can make the condition better.
-
Moderate GERD (stage 2):-
Patients experience more frequent symptoms requiring daily prescription acid-suppressive medications. oesophageal inflammation is also been noticed.
-
Severe GERD (stage 3)
Erosive esophageal inflammation was seen. poorly controlled symptoms are noticed on prescription medicines.
-
Reflux induced precancerous lesions or esophageal cancer (stage 4):-
It is untreated severe reflux. The precancerous condition develops into named Barrett’s esophagus. It may lead to cancer if left untreated.
SYMPTOMS
- Burning sensation in the chest after eating
- Chest pain
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- The sensation of a lump in the throat
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness of voice
- Laryngitis
- Disturb sleep
Complications of GERD
- Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture )
- Esophageal ulcer
- Barrett’s esophagus
DIAGNOSIS
- Endoscopy
- Biopsy of esophageal mucous
- Barium swallow X-ray
- 24 hours PH monitoring
- Esophageal manometry.
Foods to Avoid in GERD
- Avoid milk products such as cheese, butter, fatty food.
- Avoid fast food such as pizza, burgers.
- Avoid chilly powder and pepper.
- Avoid tomato-based sauces
- Avoid citrus fruits
- Chocolate, peppermint.
FOOD TO BE EATEN IN GERD
- Wholegrain such as oatmeal, brown rice.
- Vegetables such as carrots, sweet potato, beets, cauliflower.
- Green beans can be eaten in sprouts
- Fruits such as bananas, melon
- Cucumber, lettuce can be eaten in a salad.
- Herbal tea can be consumed.
- Low-fat yogurt
- Nonfat milk can be consumed.
- Ginger can be used in food preparation.
Homeopathic remedies for GERD
-
Iris Versicolor:-
Sour bitter belching is the key feature of this remedy. Vomiting of sour bitter fluid that burns the throat.Vomiting with weakness. Burning distress with pain in the epigastric region is a well-marked feature of Headache arising with acidity. indigestion present.
-
Natrum Phosphorica:-
For heartburn and difficulty in swallowing is the well-marked feature of this remedy Sour belching. Water brash, vomiting of sour fluid, or cheesy curdled mass. Lump-like sensation in throat present.
-
Arsenic Album:-
Arsenic album is accompanied by burning sensation in the throat. Burning gets worse upon swallowing. Swallowing is burning and painful. Regurgitation of acrid matter and water brash, heartburn, intense nausea, and weakness.
-
Carbo veg:-
This is one of the best remedies for bloating of the abdomen and heartburn. Sour offensive belching that gets worse after eating. burning sensation in the throat and difficulty in swallowing present. Even the simplest food triggers the complaint.
Homeo Care Clinic
Dr. Vaseem Choudhary along with his team has treated many patients successfully with GERD so if you are seeking your cure please visit Homeo Care Clinic, Pune for further assistance.
