Recognizing GERD Symptoms

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease and is a chronic condition that can cause life threatening esophageal cancer in severe cases left untreated. While not every case of GERD leads to cancer or even Barrett's esophagus, this disease does require medical attention. It is wise to learn more about GERD symptoms and if you are having them, see your doctor as soon as possible. While symptoms of GERD may include those that are also acid reflux symptoms, there are some variations that make gastroesophageal reflux disease different from garden variety reflux.

Just like with symptoms of acid reflux, GERD may manifest with heartburn and regurgitation into the back of the throat or even up into the mouth. However, symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease may also include a hoarse voice, the feeling of a lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing and even a persistent dry cough. Also, unlike acid reflux disease symptoms the symptoms of GERD occur on a regular basis and may be more uncomfortable or debilitating. Like any other disease, the symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. You may want to keep a journal about when your symptoms occur, what seems to trigger them and how uncomfortable they are.

Even if you suspect you have GERD, there is a lot that can be done. There are both acid neutralizers and proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. While acid neutralizers help simmer down the acid produced by the stomach and relieve discomfort, PPI drugs actually inhibit the amount of digestive acid that is produced. Because the cells that make the acid are constantly being reproduced, it is impossible for proton pump inhibitor drugs to totally eliminate gastric acids. Acid neutralizer medications are good for mild to moderate acid reflux but may not be enough to alleviate the discomfort of GERD.

Because it can be hard to tell GERD symptoms from acid reflux symtoms, it is extremely important that you consult your doctor. He or she will examine you and/or refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist or ENT. They can perform more detailed tests and examinations and even look at your esophagus on X-ray using a technique known as a barium swallow. Once the problem has been diagnosed, the proper treatment can be started. Whether that is a prescription drug, over the counter or surgical procedure depends on the severity of your case.

 

 

Eliminate Acid Reflux and Heartburn - Click Here

 

Acid Reflux and Heartburn News:

 


Postmenopausal women who take proton pump inhibitors (e.g., cimetidine [Tagamet], omeprazole [Prilosec], others) are at increased risk of experiencing hip fracture, according to a new study published on BMJ. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a popular and ...


Diner's Journal: Five Dishes at Kutsher's Tribeca
This week, I review Kutsher's Tribeca , a loving homage to Borscht Belt cuisine...


Order a Fight Allergies No Need to see a Doctor and Hassle Free at Fight-Allergies.com
The company's goal is to make sure every customer spends less time and effort getting the medicine they require at an affordable price whenever someone needs high-quality drugs for less money, they are sure to go online to place their order...


Alkaline diet can help fight
You may have heard of a new diet based on controlling the..


IMPORTANT: Bing News RSS feed has moved!
Go to the new RSS page and renew your subscription.
..


LePage blasts lawmakers again on DHHS budget
Maine Gov. Paul LePage smiles as he is welcomed by members of the Legislature prior to delivering his first State of the State address at the State House in Augusta, Maine, on Tuesday, Jan...


Treatment of symptomless
There is debate in the medical community over whether or not undetected gastroesophageal..


A Lesson for Life
When Andrea Wongsam woke up with nausea and heartburn, she chalked up the symptoms to morning sickness...


Hospital foundation dinner Thursday to raise funds and honor survivors of heart disease
Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Foundation supporters want to celebrate that in a bold way by inviting community members to not only see red when faced with facts concerning heart disease and stroke, but to wear the vibrant color in solidarity...


Best, worst foods for your digestive system
Not all foods are digested equally. Some, like those high in fat, are hard to break down and can easily upset any stomach...


Dish Size: The Key to Weight Loss
Here we are at the beginning of a new year, and many of us have made new year's resolutions to lose weight...



 

 

Eliminate Acid Reflux and Heartburn - Click Here

 

Technorati Tags: , ,