Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also known as acid reflux is a very common chronic digestive disease in which stomach acid or bile (alkaline fluid that aids digestion; secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder) irritates the tract where food enters. When a person experiences acid reflux or heartburn more than twice a week, this is a good indication that he/she might be suffering from GERD.
Symptoms:
Pain in the upper abdomen accompanied by a burning sensation in the chest
Coughing after eating or at night: could be dry or with phlegm
Frequent hiccups
Indigestion
Nausea
Excessive Flatulence
Vomiting
Bad breath
Chest discomfort
Difficulty falling asleep
Immediate sensation of fullness
People experiencing any of the above symptoms can self-diagnose themselves as having acid reflux. But once they experience it more than twice a week, then they should seek medical advice.
Treatments
This condition may be treated in several ways, one of them being over-the-counter medication which is usually temporary. But sometimes, things could get worse especially when you start experiencing nausea and vomiting, that is when you should consult your doctor, who will include stronger medication in your prescription. Your doctor may prescribe you to take stomach acid suppressants, and will also advice you to include lifestyle changes such as losing weight, eating smaller meals, avoiding foods such as fried or fatty foods, chocolate and peppermint which usually trigger heartburn. Avoiding alcoholic beverages and smoking nicotine may also be of help.
