Treating GERD

GERD is a medical condition which causes great discomfort. It is a chronic condition and hence the disease will often remain for the rest of one's life. So the treatments given for acid reflux are to reduce discomfort and prevent further complications rather than treating the condition on the whole. The treatment can improve the patient's quality of life without much effort. Very rarely do you require changing your eating habits and lifestyle.

Acid reflux is often more severe and problematic at night. This is because of the lack of gravity. During daytime, acid reflux is pulled back from the oesophagus into the stomach due to gravitational force. Hence there is less pain and discomfort when sitting or standing. To avoid discomfort and pain due to acid reflux while you sleep, you can sleep in an elevated position. This helps the reflux flow back from oesophagus into stomach. This helps to keep you free from pains and also prevents the damage caused to the oesophagus due to acid content. To get an elevated position you can lift your bed slightly up supporting it with some block of books or any other material or you can even sleep on pillows such that an elevation is formed. All that is required is your head has to be higher than your feet. Also, sleeping on the left side causes less uneasiness from acid reflux as compared to sleeping on the right side.

There are some foods and drinks that weaken the LES muscles. This in turn increases acid reflux and complicates the condition. Hence such foods or drinks have to be avoided completely. Some of them are chocolate, alcohol, spicy and acidic foods and citric juices. Intake of fatty foods has to be reduced to avoid symptoms of acid reflux. Smoking can also create problems and hence needs to be avoided.

Consumption of antacids prescribed by the doctor helps in neutralizing the acidic contents in the stomach. The amount of acid produced in GERD patients is higher than normal people and intake of antacids reduces the acid produced in the stomach by neutralizing it. This reduces painful sensations and heartburn.

Antacids are helpful in reducing acid content in stomach for a short period of time. Hence they need to be taken frequently to maintain the effect. There are a number of drugs developed which are known as histamine antagonists. These medicines block the acid producing agents in the stomach thereby decreasing the acid reflux. Pro-motility drugs are also available which strengthen the contractions of muscles by working on pressure in lower oesophageal sphincter. This in turn reduces the acid reflux.

There are numerous treatments available to help you relieve the symptoms of GERD. Your physician will be the best to guide you and prescribe treatment based on your condition. With proper treatment you can reduce the discomfort and pain caused by GERD.

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