Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: What it Is and How to Treat It

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, happens when a muscle that opens and closes allowing food to be let into the stomach fails to do so in the correct manner. This muscle can become weak or otherwise lazy, and as a result the digestive juices in the stomach back up and cause reflux.

If you suffer from a constant sore throat or heartburn or a feeling of indigestion on a regular basis, chances are GERD is the problem. You should always consult your physician for any of these symptoms if they persist. GERD can have long term affects for those who suffer continually and do not get treatment. You may end up with an ulcerated esophagus and/or bleeding. Also, Doctors believe there is a link between GERD and esophageal cancer as well as laryngeal cancer although not all patients with GERD will get cancer.

Be Mindful Of Your Diet:

Some foods may cause heartburn and reflux more than others. Some should be avoided altogether. Keeping a journal of what you eat and how it affects you can be a good first step toward eliminating foods from your diet which cause you discomfort.

Here is a simple guide to eating out, what to eat and what to avoid:
http://heartburn.about.com/cs/articles/a/gerd_dineout.htm

These foods should be avoided altogether due to their acidity which causes irritation:
http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods3.htm

Treatment:

There are many types of over the counter medications you can try to help with your GERD. Antacids can be beneficial, as can Gaviscon. Your Doctor may prefer you try these before prescribing other medication. At times, more than one medicine may be necessary since one can settle heartburn for example, while another can slow the stomach from overproducing the acid in the first instance.

When You Sleep:

Laying down can be a huge problem if you suffer from reflux. Try positioning yourself on a slight incline. Prop your head and shoulders up comfortably higher than the rest of your body. Avoiding alcohol is also recommended since this can cause the stomach to produce more acid than usual, and may also allow the muscles to relax which cause the reflux. You can also take an antacid before you go to bed.

Babies with Reflux:

I know from having children with this problem what a traumatic experience reflux can be. Sleepless nights from the pain your is child experiencing, when you don't know why, can be distressing for everyone in the household. If your baby is continually upset after being put to bed for the night, this may be what is happening. If you have any doubts at all contact your Doctor immediately and ask questions. It will cause your child severe pain and subsequent vomiting. Many nights have been spent in the emergency room where parents have simply been told (including myself) that a baby is merely spoiled and needs cuddling to sleep rather than put to bed and left alone to cry. I don't believe crying is bad for a child who is put to bed against their will. In time they learn to associate hugs and kisses with sleep time when settling into a routine. However, if reflux is an issue you're unaware of, then it will surely have the reverse affect on your child who will then associate pain with bedtime. It can take many months to then settle your precious baby into a new routine after a satisfying diagnosis has been made.

Sources:

http://www.gastro.org/user-assets/Documents/patient_ctr/Brochure_51001.pdf