Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, is an uncomfortable condition that includes unwanted regurgitation of stomach products. This regurgitation, known as acid reflux, is very common in people all over South Africa. However, acid reflux can lead to GERD if you struggle with it repeatedly and for a prolonged period of time.
In most cases, GERD will eventually go away on its own if you make dietary and lifestyle changes. The reason you’re struggling with GERD is likely because the things you’re eating are irritating your stomach or oesophagus. Therefore, by cutting those things out, you can eliminate GERD and acid reflux altogether.
The most obvious sign of GERD is repeated bouts with acid reflux. Acid reflux is when the contents of your stomach travel back up into your throat through your oesophagus. However, acid reflux doesn’t always involve total vomiting and can often include just your stomach acid. Acid reflux is fairly common and doesn’t always mean you have GERD, so it’s important to know the other signs and symptoms to look for.
GERD is a condition that progresses slowly and takes time to develop. It always stems from frequent, repeated bouts of acid reflux. Acid reflux happens when acid from your stomach is allowed to exit the stomach and flow back up your oesophagus and into your throat. This happens when there’s damage or weakness to the lower oesophageal sphincter.
The lower oesophageal sphincter is supposed to automatically open to allow food and liquid to enter the stomach and immediately close. However, if the sphincter is unable to close because of weakness or damage, stomach acid, and contents flow out of your stomach, up the oesophagus, and into the throat. This leads to pain and inflammation in the throat in the form of GERD.
While anyone can develop GERD at any age, here are some risk factors that increase your chances.
The first thing that your doctor will do when diagnosing GERD is take stock of your physical symptoms. Next, they’ll ask you how often and long you’ve been struggling with acid reflux. If they suspect GERD, they will perform a few additional tests.
In most cases, doctors can diagnose GERD based on symptoms and health history alone.
In most cases, you can treat and manage GERD by making lifestyle and dietary changes. The key is to avoid foods and beverages that cause bouts of acid reflux and to avoid eating heavy meals late in the evening. If you’re slightly overweight or obese, your doctor will also recommend regular exercise and physical fitness, which can reduce the number of attacks you have.
If lifestyle and dietary changes don’t work, the next option is to try prescription or over-the-counter medications. In extreme cases, you may require surgery to repair your lower oesophageal sphincter. Most times, however, lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and over-the-counter medications are enough to treat and manage GERD.