When the (LES) also known as lower esophageal sphincter, fails to close, that's when Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs. These are a good deal of theories on why this might happen. Overeating, eating foods which have high amounts of acid, slow digestion of the contents of the stomach, lack of saliva. Plus the diminish in the LES resting status, esophagus not having clearance and esophagus not being able to repair or resist harm to itself.
Following the ingestion of too much food or foods high in fat, GERD episodes happen frequently during the daytime quite often. While in your nightly rest it has shown in many cases you can fall victim with the condition. The greatest problem in one's battle against this we've discovered, doctors tell their patients they have to stay away from caffeine, alcohol and chocolate. There are other cited triggering factors as well; it has been noted that smoking, wearing tight clothes,drugs, overweight, hormones, pregnancy and even the positioning of your body can onset the disease.
An opening in the diaphragm that leads into the chest is a protrusion through the esophageal hiatal. GERD is often joined by the hiatal hernia. Due to impaired esophagus exit, this type of hernia is visible and might contribute to transient Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation and block clearance. Thus creating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease(GERD) issues and esophageal damage, meaning that hiatal hernias might allow prolonged acid exposure after reflux happens.
When Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is involved the known symptoms of GERD are: heartburn, regurgitation, dysfunctional swallowing (dysphagia), this simply means when food gets stuck or slows down between the stomach and pharynx. When the lining of the esophagus has been "eaten" by stomach acid gastric enzymes there is a pain when swallowing.
There are two simple tests you will take to check for GERD: pH testing and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Your GERD can be controlled if detected early and with the proper diet and over-the-counter antacid. But this is depending on your doctor's suggestion. It might be a more severe diagnosis and you might need more in depth treatments maybe even surgery. Its best to consult your doctor rather than employ your own methods of treatment yourself.
Only your physician will recommend the following: drink at least 8 oz of water a day. Use antacids to stabilize excess stomach pain. Do not overeat, and elevate the head of your bed 4-6 inches , avoid chocolate, alcohol and caffeine. Try not to eat 3 to 4 hours before bed, no fatty or greasy foods and lose some unwanted pounds. You could need an overall lifestyle change.
You could have to undergo medical treatments but your doctor will determine what's fits you best. All this entails is surgery using a laparoscopy. Endoscopic suturing, if hiatal hernia is large, this is normally a procedure that creates a barrier to lessen mild to moderate Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease(GERD). Last but not least you may have to use acid production in your stomach prescription medications.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
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