How to get rid of Gastroesophageal reflux disease:

What are the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Reflux can cause a variety of symptoms. These are mainly:

• burning or chest pain,

• the reduction of food or acidic fluids from the stomach,

• belching,

• difficulty swallowing

There are less common symptoms such as:

• coughing or wheezing in the breath

• hoarseness, or a change in the tone of voice,

• the feeling that food is stuck behind the chest

• hiccups

• sore throat.

What is the content of the material that refluxes from the stomach?

Food, air but mostly liquids. The latter are mainly acids produced by the stomach for the digestion of food. These are the reasons why you sometimes feel the sour taste in your mouth. Strong stomach acids can also damage the inner surface of the esophagus, causing sores (esophagitis).

Do I need to have any tests if I have gastroesophageal reflux disease?

This will be judged by your gastroenterologist after taking a complete history. The usual examination is esophagogastroscopy. With the modern endoscopes that we have today, the procedure is short and simple; it is done with intoxication and does not bother the patient.

What can I do to treat relapse effectively?

If you are experiencing the annoying symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, it is time to make some lifestyle changes. To get rid of them. Rest assured that for a start it is the best choice.

One of the best changes you can make to your lifestyle is to lose weight if you are overweight. Definitely follow a healthy eating plan to help you get rid of the weight you need to lose. This is very beneficial because it will reduce the risk of other health problems that exist or will arise in the future. Avoid braised foods, tomatoes, and onions in salads. No more fatty and spicy foods reduce or eliminate food in the pan. Eat small, light meals, especially if you know you are going to go to bed later. Dramatically reduce all carbonated beverages. Reduce the amount of alcohol you consume. Alcohol has one of the most aggravating effects for those with reflux. But it is worth reducing it for your health in general. Avoid lots of liquids and soups at night. Avoid acidic liquids (vinegar, lemon juice, oranges).

Change some eating habits. Chocolate or a syrupy dessert (e.g., baklava, dessert) is not a good choice for a reflux patient. After your meal, sit in a comfortable position or take a short walk. Avoid lying down. Give your body the opportunity and time to digest food properly. If you need to lie down after eating, try to keep your upper body as high as possible. Use some pillows on the couch or in bed to achieve this. Here is a nice excuse to watch your favorite TV show or read your newspaper, an interesting book, or, why not, solve a crossword puzzle.

A comfortable night's sleep is always welcome. Make sure you get rid of your dinner much earlier. The closer you go to bed for food, the more acid will rise in your esophagus. In addition to the agitation and possibly insomnia, it can cause, coffee after dinner will increase your chances of suffering from reflux. Hold the head and chest a few inches higher than the rest of the body at night. You can achieve this with one or two pillows. If you do not feel comfortable, you can achieve the same result by placing two small heels on the upper legs of the bed. It is certainly not the most comfortable sleep, but you will get used to it, and you will be compensated by the fact that you will not have the annoying symptoms. If you are used to sleeping on your side, choose to lie on your left side.

Remember that exercise should be our friend. It helps us lose weight, and this helps reduce regression. But beware, never immediately after eating. This will make things worse. Anaerobic weight lifting exercise is not the best. Digestion will be difficult, and you may end up with stomach cramps. At best, you will have reductions and worsen your reflux. Prefer a leisurely walk. Do not wear tight clothing. Loosen your belt. In sleep, I prefer loose pajamas. Wear a comfortable uniform inside the house. A belly that "breathes" allows easier digestion.

Quit smoking. This will, of course, help you to have good health in general.

If you do not want to use drugs, they can be replaced by materials you have in your home, saving money. Bicarbonate Na (soda) in water is a beneficial choice for acid reflux. As an alkaline substance, it neutralizes stomach acids and is included in most available antacid drugs. You could also gargle before swallowing.

Another interesting option is aloe juice which also relieves burning. It has a risk-free local anti-inflammatory action. Try to drink a glass just before going to bed. Take it also on your nightstand and use it if you wake up with heartburn at night to continue your sleep with relief. Be aware that aloe juice also works as a laxative, so it will help you if you suffer from constipation.

Also, why not chew a little Chios mastic? This excellent Greek product has a beneficial effect on your stomach. At the same time, it promotes the creation of saliva. Saliva has a natural property of neutralizing acids and also helps to remove them from the esophagus.

What kind of drugs do we use to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease?

These are mainly:

• Antacids. They are medicines that we take after meals or before bed, but the relief they offer may not last long. Side effects may include diarrhea or constipation. Drugs in this category are Maalox, Aludrox, etc.

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce the amount of acid produced in your stomach. Otherwise called pyrazoles. Such drugs are Losec, Pariet, Zurcazol, Laprazol, Nexium and others.

H2 antagonists also reduce the amount of acid released in the stomach (Peptan).

• Prokinetic or otherwise drugs that promote esophageal and gastric motility

Your doctor will tell you how to take these medicines.

Finally, can we effectively treat gastroesophageal reflux disease?

And, of course. Today we have the ways to do it successfully. Talk to your doctor. It will show you the best ways to do it. The above information, in no case, replaces the advice and instructions of your doctor.

AUTHOR: DIPESH KATARIA