GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease and is a condition in which the stomach acid rises back into the food pipe and causes a sense of discomfort. Over time, this continuous backwash impacts the esophagus lining and causes heartburn. A lot of people occasionally experience acid reflux and heartburn, but GERD occurs when this problem becomes a lot more frequent. In this article, we will look at the various aspects that need to be considered when it comes to GERD.

Signs of GERD

There are plenty of signs and symptoms of GERD, and heartburn is the biggest one. Other major symptoms of GERD include

• Chest pain
• Difficulty when it comes to swallowing
• A continual regurgitation of both food and sour stomach liquids
• A sensation or a lump inside the throat

For people who have night-time acid reflux, the common symptoms include laryngitis, chronic cough, or asthma as time progresses. They may also suffer from disrupted sleep. For such instances of GERD and heartburn, we recommend consulting an expert as soon as these symptoms become frequent.

Causes of GERD
GERD is the consequence of acid reflux and heartburn occurring frequently in the body. When we swallow our food, the circular band of muscles around the esophagus relaxes to ensure that the entire ingestion process happens smoothly. This also allows the liquids and the foods to flow inside the stomach without hassle.

Once this process is complete, the sphincter muscle closes up again. The main reason for GERD to occur is when there is a hindrance in this process. In case the sphincter weakens, the acid can easily flow back into the food pipe. If this process keeps occurring continuously, then it can end up eroding the esophagus lining, resulting in inflammation. So, this entire process is the main reason for GERD to occur.

We recommend not lying down immediately after a meal. Stay upright for at least an hour before resting or going to bed, to avoid the occurrence of GERD.

Risk factorss of GERD
There are certain risk factors and conditions that can aggravate GERD, such as

• Being obese
• A bulging on stomach top (hiatal hernia)
• Being pregnant
• Connective tissue disorders
• Delay in excretion process

Certain factors that can worsen acid reflux and heartburn, resulting in GERD, include

• Eating extremely large meals or even eating quite late at night
• Having a habit of excessive smoking or consuming alcohol
• Drinking coffee
• Certain medications, such as aspirin

All of these aforementioned aspects of this issue can help you better understand the disease. Being aware of the critical aspects of GERD, such as the symptoms, causes, as well as the risks, will make it easy for you to draw out a better treatment plan for the same.