Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, occurs when a muscle-like valve where the esophagus joins the stomach opens spontaneously or doesn’t close properly. Stomach contents, including digestive juices, leak back and rise up into the esophagus. Unlike the stomach, the esophagus can’t tolerate these digestive juices or acids, which can irritate, scar and even destroy its lining. The acids can also affect the mouth and lungs.
It’s estimated that 7 percent of Americans experience GERD symptoms daily, and twice that number experience them weekly. Typical GERD symptoms are heartburn, regurgitation, a bitter taste in the mouth and trouble swallowing. Less common symptoms are excess saliva, nausea, and chest pain. If the GERD causes damage to the esophagus, mouth and/or larynx, it can result in coughing, laryngitis, asthma, tooth damage or sinusitis. On occasion, GERD can also cause severe middle back pain. GERD has also been linked to sleepwalking, presumably because the discomfort disturbs sleep patterns. Infants and children can also suffer from GERD.
GERD can have many contributing factors, including obesity, pregnancy, hiatal hernia, certain medications, smoking and drinking alcohol. Chronic GERD that is left untreated can result in serious complications like ulcers, inflammation and scarring of the esophagus and lungs, and even esophageal cancer. Depending on its severity, treatment for GERD may involve lifestyle changes and/or medications, or surgery. Mild GERD can be treated with over the counter GERD medicines like antacids. Proton pump inhibitors PPIs such as Pantoprazole Sodium 40 mg (brand name Protonix) are the most effective GERD prescription medications for more serious gastroesophageal reflux disease. Proton pump inhibitors can relieve symptoms and heal the esophageal lining in almost every case.
Life style changes include stopping smoking, losing weight, and elevating the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches. Avoid foods and beverages that trigger symptoms, eat slowly, eat small frequent meals, don’t eat late at night, and avoid lying down for three hours after a meal. Foods to avoid include citrus fruit, onion and garlic, mint, chocolate, cheese, eggs, fatty and fried foods, vinegar, spicy foods and tomato-based foods like spaghetti sauce, chili, salsa and pizza. Drink lots of water to help offset acidity and aid digestion. Avoid beverages containing caffeine, carbonated drinks and alcohol. Don’t wear belts or clothes that fit tightly around the waist, and avoid bending over.
People with GERD symptoms should seek medical advice before treating themselves with GERD meds. Heart attacks can cause chest pressure and heartburn similar to GERD symptoms. Ulcers can also cause similar symptoms.
Original post: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Best Treatment for GERD
