"Demystifying GERD: Insights into Stomach Acid Concerns"

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What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. This results in symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation of food or sour liquid.

GERD occurs when the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus, weakens or relaxes abnormally, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the oesophagus. Factors contributing to GERD include obesity, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, smoking, and certain medications.

This condition can be managed through lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods, maintaining a healthy weight, elevating the head of the bed while sleeping, and quitting smoking. Keep reading to know which Over-the-counter medications can provide relief and some useful tips to manage GERD.

What Are the Symptoms of GERD?

The main symptoms of GERD include heartburn, regurgitation of stomach contents into the mouth or chest, chest pain, nausea, difficulty swallowing, or painful swallowing. The other symptoms include chronic cough, hoarseness, or throat irritation. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life and may require medical attention for proper management and relief. It’s essential to recognise and address these symptoms promptly to prevent potential complications associated with GERD.

What Are the Causes of GERD?

GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, often arises from a weakened or relaxed lower oesophagal sphincter (LES), the muscular ring that separates the oesophagus from the stomach. Factors contributing to LES dysfunction and subsequent GERD development include:

Weight and Pregnancy: Excess weight or obesity, as well as pregnancy, can exert pressure on the abdomen, leading to LES relaxation and reflux.
Smoking: Both active smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can weaken the LES and exacerbate GERD symptoms.
Medications: Certain medications can induce or worsen GERD. These include benzodiazepines, calcium channel blockers, certain asthma medications, NSAIDs, and tricyclic antidepressants.
Hiatal Hernia: It is a condition where a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm. It can predispose individuals to GERD by disrupting normal sphincter muscle function and promoting acid reflux into the oesophagus.

What Are the Best Medications to Treat GERD?

GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, can be effectively managed. Medication can help reduce stomach acid production, neutralise acid already present in the stomach, and improve oesophagal motility. Here are the best medications to treat GERD symptoms:

Antacids provide quick relief by neutralising stomach acid, alleviating symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux. However, their effects are short-lived. The commonly used antacids for GERD are calcium carbonate, aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide and their combinations.
H2 receptor blockers or stomach acid reducers such as ranitidine and cimetidine work by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach lining, thereby reducing the production of stomach acid. They offer longer-lasting relief compared to antacids.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole and esomeprazole are potent medications that inhibit the action of proton pumps in the stomach lining, significantly reducing acid production. They are highly effective in relieving symptoms and promoting the healing of oesophagal damage caused by GERD.
Prokinetics such as metoclopramide help improve oesophagal motility and accelerate stomach emptying, thereby reducing the likelihood of acid reflux. However, they are less commonly prescribed compared to other medications and are typically reserved for individuals with severe GERD symptoms or complications.
D2 receptor antagonist such as Domperidone. It blocks dopamine receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. Blocking these receptors helps reduce symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and digestive discomfort associated with GERD.

These GERD medicines can be procured through an online medicines delivery app. The online purchase ensures medicine delivery to your doorstep on time. If you order from online pharmacy apps like Truemeds, which offer generic medicines, you can save a lot on your medical expenses. Besides doorstep delivery, you can avail a free doctor’s consultation on your medicine orders.

Tips to Manage GERD

Here are 6 effective tips for managing GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease):

Avoid trigger foods and beverages like spicy foods, citrus fruits, caffeine, and alcohol. Opt for smaller, more frequent meals and avoid eating close to bedtime.
Maintain a Healthy Weight, Excess weight can exacerbate GERD symptoms. Aim for a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Elevate the Head of Your Bed, Elevating the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches can help prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the oesophagus while you sleep.
Avoid Tight Clothing, especially around the abdomen, as it can increase pressure on the stomach and aggravate reflux. Opt for loose-fitting clothing instead.
Smoking can weaken the lower oesophagal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to reflux more easily. Quitting smoking can significantly improve GERD symptoms.
Limit tea and coffee, These acidic beverages can further irritate the lining of the oesophagus and contribute to GERD symptoms. Therefore, limiting or avoiding tea and coffee consumption, especially in the evening or before bedtime, can be beneficial for managing GERD.
Reduce your stress, It can worsen GERD symptoms. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to manage stress levels.

Takeaway

The best medications to treat GERD include antacids, H2 receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and prokinetics, which can effectively alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Consult your doctor if your symptoms are persistent. Additionally, GERD can be managed with lifestyle changes like avoiding trigger foods, maintaining a healthy weight, elevating the head of the bed, quitting smoking, limiting tea and coffee intake, and reducing stress. These proactive measures can help individuals effectively manage and alleviate the discomfort associated with GERD.