Ref: CHB/Flash/2006/25                                             Date: September 18, 2006

CHB NEWS FLASH 

Today fast food, smoking, chocolates, caffeinated drinks, fatty and fried foods have become a regular part of our life style. Our digestive tract may not be able to “Digest this” and may cause some burning sensation in the chest or sour taste in the mouth. This is GERD which disturbs our daily routines. 

GERD is a common digestive disease with an abnormality in the Gastro-intestinal tract. GERD is the backflow of the stomach contents into the esophagus (the tube that connects mouth to the stomach). There is a muscle-Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) which controls the flow of food from the stomach to esophagus. In case of GERD this muscle is not able to control the backward movement of acid. Hence the acid from the stomach comes into the esophagus and irritates the esophageal lining, as the esophageal lining is not designed to withstand the strong acid of the stomach. 

The common symptoms of GERD are: 

Ø     Heartburn – A burning sensation in the chest. This feeling may sometimes move up to the throat.

Ø     Regurgitation – The contents of stomach mixed with the acid come back into the esophagus and cause a sour taste in the mouth.

Ø      A feeling of food coming back.

Ø      Difficulty in swallowing.

Ø      Coughing and wheezing like symptoms.

Ø      Hoarseness, laryngitis, earache etc.

Ø      Tooth decay, bad breath, gum problems such as gingivitis etc.

GERD is caused by Relaxation of the LES, which happens for a few times each day in the people without GERD, but its not known why it happens more frequently in GERD patients. 

Hiatal hernia may also contribute to acid reflux. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach is above the diaphragm, the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest. In hiatal hernia, it is easier for the acid to come up and cause reflux. Hiatal hernia can occur in people of any age. 

Other factors that may contribute to GERD include: Alcohol use, Overweight, Pregnancy and Smoking. Certain foods and lifestyles are also associated with reflux events. Foods such as Citrus fruits, chocolates, caffeinated drinks fatty and fried foods, spicy and hot foods, mint flavoring, garlic and onions may cause reflux events.

A proper diet and a change in life style may help in relieving GERD symptoms. These are a few tips that may help: 

ü      Avoid the above mentioned foods.

ü      Avoid large meals.

ü      Avoid eating in between meals

ü      Avoid lying down or going to bed immediately after meals. Allow 2 to 3 hours before you do so.

ü      Loose weight if you are over weight and avoid wearing tight clothes.

ü      Make sure you chew your food properly before you swallow.

ü      Stop smoking and drinking alcohol if you do so.

ü      Raise the head of your bed by 4 to 8 inches.

If you feel that these symptoms are still troubling you kindly consult your doctor for advice on medications.

“Community’s health – CHB’s priority”