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Gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD) is a condition when
stomach acid
up into the esophagus.When it recurs, sufferers will experience a burning sensation in the chest, nausea, or a sour taste that rises to the throat after eating.
These symptoms are certainly disturbing, especially when doing activities.So, what is disease?
GERD
Can this be cured or can it only be controlled so it doesn’t recur?
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Gastric acid itself is an important fluid for digestion, but when it rises into the esophagus repeatedly, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms and even damage the tissue in the esophagus.
Luckily, there are various ways to control and treat stomach acid disease, ranging from changing lifestyle and diet, using medication, to medical procedures and surgery for more severe cases.
What is stomach acid?
Referring to the Cleveland Clinic page, stomach contents should only move in one direction, namely downwards.When acid from the stomach rises back into the esophagus and throat, this condition is called acid reflux.
When acid reaches areas where it should not be exposed, discomfort is bound to occur.Stomach acid can irritate and inflame the tissue in the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the stomach to the throat.
Almost everyone experiences acid reflux occasionally.This condition can feel like indigestion, namely a burning sensation or pain in the stomach after eating, or like heartburn, namely a burning sensation in the chest near the breastbone.
Acid reflux that occurs occasionally is not a disease, but if it occurs continuously, the condition can develop into a chronic problem.This chronic form is called GERD.
GERD is acid reflux that occurs continuously and repeatedly in the esophagus.Reflux is considered chronic when it occurs at least twice a week for several weeks.
Although certain conditions can trigger temporary reflux, GERD is different.GERD is a mechanical problem that is permanent, meaning that the system that is supposed to keep stomach acid from rising into the esophagus is not working properly.
In many cases, recurrent GERD will cause symptoms of burning in the chest (heartburn), palpitations, heartburn, nausea, bloating, and even sleep disturbances.
Can GERD be cured?
Although they can help reduce the symptoms and effects of GERD, medications do not stop the condition completely.In more severe cases of GERD, complications can still occur even though the symptoms have reduced.
When this happens, more definitive treatment is needed, usually in the form of a procedure to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).This procedure is generally mild, performed on an outpatient basis, and is very effective.
Apart from that, doctors also usually recommend lifestyle and diet changes to help prevent stomach acid from rising through the LES.
For example, by avoiding trigger foods, stopping smoking, managing stress, not rushing to chew, and eating healthy foods such as vegetables.
Medication may also be prescribed to decrease stomach acid production and help the esophagus recover from irritation caused by reflux.
With consistent treatment, symptoms may disappear completely.When symptoms no longer appear, the condition can be considered reversible, but recurrence remains possible if treatment or lifestyle changes are discontinued.
If lifestyle changes and medication do not provide improvement, the next step is a medical procedure.
The most common operation is Nissen fundoplication, usually performed laparoscopically so that the surgical wound is smaller and the recovery time is faster.
Another option is the installation of a LINX device, which is a ring containing small magnets that is placed around the LES to help keep the valve closed but open when food passes through it.
Surgery is usually very effective and can provide long-term relief.However, surgery is a last resort if lifestyle changes and medication do not relieve symptoms.Like any medical procedure, surgery also has risks.
That is the answer to the question whether GERD can be cured.Hope it is useful.
(sac/fef)
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