GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD)  is when contents of your stomach persistently move back up into your esophagus. These contents sometimes contain excessive acid and may irritate your esophagus.

 

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR GERD

Homoeopathy for acid reflux and GERD helps treat the condition and manage the symptoms effectively. GERD if left untreated can lead to a more serious complication called Erosive esophagitis; which in turn can lead to ulceration, bleeding and narrowing of the food pipe. Homoeopathy, works gently to minimize the symptoms of GERD and treats the root cause of the problem. 

Homoeopathic medicines treat the human being as a whole taking into account the stress, nature, and individual gastric presentation. Homoeopathic medicines treat the condition and improve the quality of life by giving relief in digestive symptoms as well as sleep and anxiety, so the individual can enjoy the life to the fullest.

Homoeopathic medicines also help to prevent complications of GERD.

KNOW YOUR DISEASE

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or chronic acid reflux) is a condition in which acid containing contents in your stomach persistently leak back up into your esophagus, the tube from your throat to your stomach.

Acid reflux happens to nearly everyone at some point in life. Having acid reflux and heartburn now and then is totally normal. But, if you have acid reflux/heartburn more than twice a week over a period of several weeks, constantly take heartburn medications and antacids yet your symptoms keep returning, you may have developed GERD. 

SYMPTOMS OF GERD (CHRONIC ACID REFLUX)

The main symptoms are persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation. Some people have GERD without heartburn. Instead, they experience pain in the chest, hoarseness in the morning or trouble swallowing. You may feel like you have food stuck in your throat, or like you are choking or your throat is tight. GERD can also cause a dry cough and bad breath.

Common signs and symptoms of GERD include:

• A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night or while lying down
• Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid
• Upper abdominal or chest pain
• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
• Sensation of a lump in your throat

If you have night-time acid reflux, you might also experience:

• An ongoing cough
• Inflammation of the vocal cords (laryngitis)
• New or worsening asthma

RISK FACTORS

Conditions that can increase your risk of GERD include.

• Obesity
• Bulging of the top of the stomach up above the diaphragm (hiatal hernia)
• Pregnancy
• Connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma
• Delayed stomach emptying

Factors that can aggravate acid reflux include.

• Smoking
• Eating large meals or eating late at night
• Eating certain foods (triggers) such as fatty or fried foods
• rinking certain beverages, such as alcohol or coffee
• Taking certain medications, such as aspirin

COMPLICATIONS OF GERD

Over time, chronic inflammation in your esophagus can cause.

• Inflammation of the tissue in the esophagus (esophagitis). Stomach acid can break down tissue in the esophagus, causing inflammation, bleeding, and sometimes an open sore (ulcer). Esophagitis can cause pain and make swallowing difficult.
• Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture). Damage to the lower esophagus from stomach acid causes scar tissue to form. The scar tissue narrows the food pathway, leading to problems with swallowing.
• Precancerous changes to the esophagus (Barrett esophagus). Damage from acid can cause changes in the tissue, lining the lower esophagus. These changes are associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

DIAGNOSIS OF GERD

Usually your doctor can tell if you have simple acid reflux (not chronic) by talking with you about your symptoms and medical history. You and your doctor can talk about managing your symptoms through diet and medications.

If these strategies don’t help, your doctor may ask you to get tested for GERD. Tests for GERD include.

• Upper gastrointestinal GI endoscopy and biopsy
• Upper GI series: X-rays of your upper GI tract show any problems related to GERD. You drink barium, a liquid that moves through your tract as the X-ray tech takes pictures.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS