GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE(GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus.
CAUSES
- Transient Lower Esophagus Splinter (LES) relaxations -a vagovagal reflex in which LES relaxation is elicited by gastric distention
- LES hypotension
- Anatomic distortion of the esophagogastric junction inclusive of hiatus hernia
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma
- Delayed stomach emptying
- Smoking
- Eating large meals or eating late at night
- Eating certain foods (triggers) such as fatty or fried foods
- Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol or coffee
- Use of certain pain killer- Ibuprofen, diclofenac
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)- Paracetamol
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Stress
- Eating spicy food
- Skipping of food
- Anticoagulants
- Asprin
- Tobacco
SYMPTOMS
- A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Sensation of a lump in your throat
- Chronic cough
- Laryngitis
- New or worsening asthma
- Disrupted sleep
- Pain abdomen
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of weight
- Loss of appetite
PREVENTION
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Quit smoking
- Avoid spicy food
- Reduce your body weight
- Eat fruits,vegetables
- Regular exercise
- Avoid pain killer
- Eat organic food
- Avoid pesticides
PATHOLOGY
After acid reflux, peristalsis returns the refluxed fluid to the stomach and acid clearance is completed by titration of the residual acid by bicarbonate contained in swallowed saliva. Consequently, two causes of prolonged acid clearance are impaired peristalsis and reduced salivation.
DIAGNOSIS
UPPER GI ENDOSCOPY
TREATMENT
HOMEOPATHY