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 Frequently Asked Questions about GERD
What is the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)? Gastroesophageal reflux disease is commonly referred to as GERD, or acid reflux, is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up, or refluxes) into the esophagus. The liquid can inflame and damage the lining of the esophagus although this occurs in a minority of patients. What are the symptoms of GERD? GERD symptoms include: - Heartburn - Regurgitation - Dry cough - Hoarseness of voice - Bad taste in the mouth - Occasionally patients may develop nausea - In children, the common symptoms are vomiting, coughing and other respiratory problems What are the causes of GERD? The causes of GERD are: - Functional abnormalities of the lower esophageal sphincter - Hiatus Hernia - Abnormal esophageal contractions - Delayed emptying of the bladder - Dietary habits - Habits - Certain drugs - Eating habits - Stress How is GERD diagnosed? Following are the commonest investigations done to diagnose GERD: - Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Biopsy of the esophagus - Specialized x-ray of the esophagus (called esophagram) - Esophageal motility testing - Gastric emptying studies - Esophageal acid testing Is GERD seen in children? GERD is not an uncommon disorder amongst infants but this diagnosis is frequently missed out due to the fact that spitting up after a meal is a common occurrence in children. However, there is a difference between spitting up after a meal and the symptoms of GERD. If the parents are able to observe that their infant possibly has symptoms that are not normal, they will seek treatment well in time. Gerd in Child Will intake of coffee or tea aggravate my GERD? Yes, coffee or tea decreases the pressure in the lower esophagus, which in turn can lead to acid reflux. Is there any relation between stress and GERD? Yes. Stress is the triggering factor for GERD. When stressed, the digestive system may stop functioning properly and causes acid reflux. What food precautions are to be taken in GERD? One should take following precautions: - Avoid fatty, greasy foods, chocolate, caffeine, spicy foods, citrus foods and other things which worsen your heartburn - Don't eat at least 2-3 hours before bedtime - Don't eat large meals; instead opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day Does intake of painkillers causes GERD? Yes, taking certain common painkillers can actually cause or make acid reflux worse. The most common types of painkillers are aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. What are the complications of GERD? Chronic long-standing GERD may cause certain complications that have been described below: - Esophageal erosions - Esophageal strictures - Barrett's esophagus - Inflammation of the vocal cords due to refluxed acid; this may lead to hoarseness of voice - Lung (pulmonary) aspiration, asthma and chronic pulmonary disease may also be caused by GERD I am a chain smoker and suffering from GERD; Do I need to stop smoking? Yes, as smoking weakens the lower esophageal sphincter and increases acid reflux. What is the lifestyle changes suggested in GERD? Patients of GERD should follow the following set of instructions: - Don't eat at least 2-3 hours before bedtime - Don't lie down right after eating at any time of day - Keep the head end of your bed elevated by at least 6 inches - Don't eat large meals; instead opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day For more details please visit this link Life Style What is homeopathy? Homeopathy is an alternative medicine originated in Germany. Please click this for more information Homeopathy Is GERD treatable with homeopathic medicines? Yes, homeopathy offers the exceptional results in treating GERD. Homeopathic treatment is targeted at the root level, which offers amazing results without side effects. Are there side effects of homeopathic medicines? Homeopathic medicines are 100% safe, herbal in origin and free from side effects. Why should I take homeopathy for GERD? One should opt for homeopathy for GERD for the following reasons: - It addresses psychosomatic pathways hence gives deep-level healing - It offers long-lasting cure instead of temporary relief - It is absolutely harmless, safe and non-toxic When do I start seeing improvement after starting homeopathy medicine? The total length of treatment varies form case to case, depending of the following factors: - Duration of GERD - Underlying factors - Extent of disease - Current medication (if or not habit forming) Most patients receiving treatment observe improvement within eight weeks. The total length of medication may be between four months to one year. What is the success rate in treating GERD with Homeopathy? At Life Force, we have treated and documented over 175 cases of GERD with significant success rate. Can homeopathic and conventional medicines be taken together? Yes, you can take both the medicines together. Homeopathy gives long term solution, while the conventional medicines help during acute attacks. If I am on some other medications such as drugs for diabetes, hypertension, etc.; do I have to stop them while on homeopathy? No. You can continue all other medicines for other diseases if you start with homeopathy. Homeopathy does not adversely interact with the conventional medicines. For other Online Treatment related Frequently Asked Questions, please click here. |
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