Do I
have GERD?
Many heartburn sufferers worldwide ask this
question. The truth is, that persistent heartburn
the
most frequent symptom of GERD. GERD
related heartburn can be so severe that they are
sometimes mistaken for a heart attack. While, GERD
should not be taken lightly, heart attack requires
emergency treatment.
Basically,
gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD occurs
when the stomach contents are pushed back into the
esophagus and the stomach acid causes irritation
and burning to the sensitive esophageal lining.
The stomach is protected from the corrosive action
of the acid by a thin layer of mucous but the
esophageal lining has no defense mechanism.
Frequent bouts of GERD can eventually lead to many
serious health problems.
The
most common symptom of GERD is frequent heartburn
also called acid indigestion. There is a burning
type of pain in the lower part of the mid-chest
behind the breast bone and in the mid-abdominal
area. There is a bitter taste in the back of the
mouth. Obesity, smoking, pregnancy generally
precipitate GERD. Symptoms of GERD may also be
triggered off or exacerbated by acidic foods such
as tomatoes, citrus foods, chocolate, caffeinated
beverages, alcohol, spearmint, fatty and fried
foods as well as spicy
curries.
To
answer the question "do I have GERD?", find
out if you have GERD, some gastroenterologists
have devised the following
questionnaire.
1)
Do you frequently have one or more of the
following:
- An
uncomfortable feeling behind the breastbone that
seems to be moving upwards from the stomach.
-
A
bitter taste in the mouth.
- A
burning sensation in the back of your
throat.
2)
Do you often experience these problems after a
meal?
3)
Do you experience heartburn two or more times a
week?
4)
Do you experience only temporary relief with
antacids?
5)
Do you take maximum dosage of over-the-counter
medications?
6)
Are you taking prescription medications ill
experiencing symptoms?
7)
Do you have trouble swallowing or persistent
abdominal pain?
If
the answer to two or more of the above questions
is "Yes" then you may have GERD and need to see a
medical practitioner.
GERD
is a complex lifestyle disease with no one
causative factor. So, treating the symptoms with
drugs often defeats the aim of the treatment as
the drugs offer only temporary relief and
long-term usage may lead to aggravation of
symptoms which are difficult to treat or dangerous
side-effects. A holistic approach which will take
into consideration the mental as well as emotional
factors along with the physical symptoms works
best in the long run. They include simple
lifestyle changes along with dietary
modifications, weight reduction, and stress relief
through exercise, yoga, meditation, natural herbal
treatment and emotional and mental
health.
