GERD is an acronym for Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. It is a chronic condition where there is constant mucosal damage caused by abnormal reflux in the esophagus.

Who Can Get GERD ?

This condition can affect anybody at all ages. It doesn’t have a specific target and it is not life threatening but should not be ignored when the condition gets worse. It’s mostly prevalent in obese, pregnant as well as asthmatic people. Diabetic people are also prone to this condition.

Causes of GERD

When the valve around the bottom of the esophagus relaxes abnormally while swallowing food, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This is what causes frequent heartburn which results in immense discomfort. This constant backwash of acid irritates the lining of the esophagus causing it to become inflamed. Some foods such as carbonated beverages, tomato sauce, caffeine, spicy foods, and fatty foods make GERD worse. Alcohol, large meals, lying down after a meal and cigarettes all contribute heavily towards the progression of this condition.

Symptoms of GERD

The common symptoms for GERD are:

• Heartburn that is caused as a result of burning in the chest that extends to the throat with a sour taste in the mouth.
• Pain in the chest while lying down is also a typical symptom of this disease.
• Sore throat, hoarseness, coughing and wheezing are classic symptoms of heartburn.
• Swallowing with a lot of difficulty

Over the Counter Treatments for GERD

Mild heartburn can easily be cured by use of over the counter drugs such as antacids like Mylanta, Gelusil, Rolaids or Tums. Be warned that some of these antacids do have side effects when taken in large quantities.

Alternative Treatments for GERD

There are several home remedies that can be used to cure this disease. Drinking baking soda or sodium bicarbonate dissolved in water mixed with cream of tartar is a good remedy for heartburns. Though these remedies are not permanent, they do provide some relief to the patient by washing away acids. The trouble with this remedy is the fact that constant use of this may change the acid balance in your body.

When is Medicinal Treatment Necessary?

Though most heartburns are mild and short term, the repeated discomfort coupled with other symptoms mentioned above should not go untreated since it can cause more complications which have to be checked by a doctor.

Medical Treatments for GERD

Though heartburn can range from mild, moderate to severe, there are medications that can be used to eradicate the problem. There are other procedures that are available for the problem other than surgery. Proton pump inhibitors are capable of blocking acid production which gives time for the damaged esophagus to heal. H-2_receptor blockers such as ranitidine famotidene and cimetidine also reduce the production of acids.