When Is GERD A Disease?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common condition in which acid from the stomach leaks into the esophagus. This disease occurs when the upper part of the digestive tract does not work properly, causing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. Although it is not always easy to know when gastroesophageal reflux is a disease, so at the end of this article we will find out.
The first thing you should know is that heartburn is the most obvious manifestation or symptom of acid reflux. However, if heartburn occurs frequently, defined as a couple of times a week, it could be a symptom that brings with it a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease.
In fact, GERD simply causes symptoms like heartburn and an unpleasant taste in the back of your mouth. Although the truth is that the symptoms are the same as those of acid reflux, such as the burning sensation in the chest and the sensation that the contents of your stomach are in the throat.
In addition, it can also cause a dry cough or difficulty swallowing. It may only be an occasional annoyance for some people, but for others it can be a serious and lifelong problem. In most cases, reflux can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes.
You need to implement lifestyle changes
Gastroesophageal reflux can often be controlled with self-help measures and medications. Along with lifestyle and diet changes, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription treatments. In any case, patients are always asked to take a few steps before taking medication, although some things can be quite difficult to achieve, such as quitting smoking.
In this regard, foods and beverages that can irritate the damaged esophageal lining, such as citrus fruits and juices, tomato products, and pepper, should be avoided . And it is that spicy, acidic and fried foods are more likely to trigger reflux. Similarly, decreasing portion sizes at mealtime can also help control symptoms.
Eating meals at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime can reduce GERD by allowing the acid in the stomach to decrease and the stomach to partially empty. Also, being overweight often makes symptoms worse. In fact, many overweight people find relief when they lose a few pounds. Obesity has been shown to be a factor in the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter.
However, some people may require medicine or surgery. People with severe chronic gastroesophageal reflux, or with symptoms that are not relieved by the treatments described above, may need a more thorough diagnostic evaluation. They may only need to take medicine when they experience symptoms. If the problem persists, they may need long-term treatment.
When is gastroesophageal reflux a disease?
This condition occurs when a muscle at the end of your esophagus doesn’t close properly. This allows stomach contents to leak backward and irritate the esophagus. It is considered a disease when reflux is associated with other symptoms or if it persists after childhood. Also if you have acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week.
In any case, gastroesophageal reflux has a negative impact on well-being and quality of life. Patients may experience some less common symptoms, such as:
- Persistent sore throat
- Hoarseness.
- Chronic cough.
- Difficulty swallowing or pain.
- Asthma.
- Unexplained chest pain
- Bad breath.
- Sensation of a lump in the throat.
- Uncomfortable feeling of fullness after meals.
In short, we would like to end this article by remembering that gastroesophageal reflux is a very common disease that affects a very large number of people, although the treatment can lead to some complications. In any case, you should know that, if it is not treated, it can bring with it more negative scenarios.
