12 Best Doctors for Gerd available in Vikrant Khand, Lucknow

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a long-term digestive condition in which stomach acid regularly flows up into the food pipe (oesophagus) and irritates the oesophageal lining. Occasional backflow (reflux) of acid is common and occurs due to overeating, eating certain foods or lying down soon after a meal. However, if reflux happens recurrently, it is diagnosed as GERD.

The common symptoms of GERD include a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), chest pain, difficulty swallowing, sensation of a lump in the throat and regurgitation of sour fluid or food from the stomach into the mouth. Other symptoms seen are prolonged cough, breathing problems, bad breath, nausea and tooth decay.

GERD occurs when the muscular valve at the bottom of the oesophagus becomes weak and relaxes, allowing stomach contents to rise into the oesophagus. Conditions that cause reflux include delayed stomach emptying, increased stomach acid, pregnancy, being overweight and bulging of the stomach into the chest (hiatal hernia). Smoking, alcohol, certain foods and medicines can aggravate reflux.

A few simple dietary changes can help manage GERD. Create a healthy diet that includes low-acid fruits, green vegetables, fibre-rich carbohydrates such as whole grains, lean proteins, yoghurt and healthy fats. Eat meals 2 to 3 hours before lying down or going to bed. Avoid fried foods, spicy foods, chocolate, mint, onions, alcohol, coffee, citrus fruits, carbonated drinks and tomato sauce.

While there are several options to treat and control GERD, it may not be completely curable. In milder cases of GERD, lifestyle changes may allow the body to heal itself. More significant GERD is treated with medications or surgery. However, GERD is generally considered a lifetime disease that requires a long-term approach to management.