Reversing GERD: What You Should Know Before It’s Too Late

Heaviness in chest, difficulty in swallowing, heartburn, sometimes difficulty in breathing - These are not the symptoms of a heart attack but GERD disease which is also known Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

With the medical help from the best gastro doctor at the best gastro clinic can put an end to your acid reflux issues. However, the treatment result would be enhanced only when your lifestyle changes are aligned with it.

Overlooking this fact, people spend thousands of rupees on the over-the-counter medicines for gastro diseases and end up with momentary relief. On top of it, if left untreated GERD can contribute to a plethora of health conditions that can be life threatening.

Can GERD Be Cured?

Availing GERD treatment at the right time as per the instructions of a GERD specialist can help you sideline all the dangers involved with GERD. Treatment for GERD is completely dependent on the type of complication a person is facing.

This gastro disease can be cured if the right treatment is provided on time. Continue reading this blog as it shares valuable takeaways on the complications GERD can cause and the type of treatment you can follow to find a cure for this condition.

GERD - The Complications and The Treatment Options

Swallowing food is a complex activity and the coordinated work of muscles situated from the throat to the end of the esophagus.

In a healthy person, the movement of food occurs with ease and the Lower Esophagus Sphincter (LES) allows the food into the stomach and closes the door on the stomach acids that are trying to climb towards the throat. 

GERD occurs when the LES fails at its function and allows the acid form between the LES and the mouth.

Acid damages the protective layer inside the food pipe, epiglottis, throat, and even the mouth. The chances of acid aspiration into the lungs could not be striked off and it causes even more complicated issues.

Here are few complications that may occur in the account of GERD, along with their treatment options. 

Erosive Esophagitis

The inner lining tissue is soft and the presence of acid on surfaces can damage them, causing scars and internal bleeding. People who are obses are at greater risk of this condition.

 

Treatment overview - Upon the consultation with the gastro specialist, oral medication to reduce the release of acid, cure the damage of inner lining tissues and corticosteroids will be prescribed to reduce inflammation.

Dysphagia 

It is a condition that impairs the person his/her ability to swallow food. The severely damaged esophagus develops into a scar known as a stricture. Dysphagia could be avoided if the treatment for strictures is provided at the earliest.

Treatment overview - Starting from daily swallowing exercises, following a strict diet that includes foods to eat and avoid, oral medication to reduce inflammation, and surgery are few treatment options available.

Asthma Flares 

GERD can trigger the immune system to react to the accumulated acid. This may make the airway more irritable and stressed, leading astha. In addition, acid may end up in lungs causing additional issues.

 

Treatment overview - Medications will be prescribed to clear the airway irritation. Inhaled corticosteroids are another option for people who have been diagnosed with asthma flare-ups.

Barret’s Esophagus 

This condition occurs when the inner lining tissue is damaged by the acid refluxes. This condition enhances the chances of getting esophageal cancer and treating Barrett's in the initial stages is crucial.

Treatment overview - Generally endoscopy is used to determine the condition and the damage. Determining the damage of the tissue, oral medication, endoscopic resection and radiofrequency ablation are recommended. Resection and ablations are common treatment approaches for high-grade dysplasia conditions.

Reversing GERD 

Mild GERD conditions with early symptoms can be reversed with simple medication followed by healthy lifestyle choices and changes such as eating healthy, avoiding oily and spicy food, consuming proteins moderately, quitting smoking and alcohol.  

However, if GERD symptoms had been ignored for a long time and the condition along with its associated diseases are increasing, gastro care from your nearest specialist is imperative. 

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