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Oesophageal Reflux Disease-a very painful condition

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Oesophageal Reflux Disease is also commonly known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD.Oesophagus is the connecting tube that connects mouth with the stomach. It helps in passing food material or so to say, any edible substance, whether
solid or liquid, from mouth to stomach. In normal condition, it is a one-way movement. Food material or the stomach contents are not allowed to travel back, that is from stomach to mouth. Ingested material is carried forward in the G I Tract through a systemic pulsating movement of the system that is Clinically known as Peristalsis.This is strictly a one-way movement of the G
I System that helps in pushing the food forward in the process of digestion
of food.

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD: This particular diseases occurs when the stomach contents repeatedly flows back into the oesophagus.This tube connects the stomach with the mouth and this backwash can spread into the entire length of the oesophagus.The main contents of the Gastric juice is Hydrochloric Acid. This reverse backwash carries this acid into the oesophagus, and it damages the inner lining of the tube through acidic erosion. It initially irritates the inner lining
and a long-term continuous backwash process can result into creating wounds in the inner lining of the tube.

2. Symptoms of GERD: Most common symptoms of GERD are:

A burning sensation in the area of chest where oesophagus is situated. It is commonly known as heart burn. It happens generally after taking food and is more prominent at night or when the patient lies down.

The patient may experience an occasional backwash or regurgitation of ingested food material or some sour liquid in the mouth. This sour liquid is the acid contents of the stomach.

A mild to severe throbbing pain in the upper abdominal area which is generally mistaken as chest pain.

In advance condition, the patient may experience trouble in swallowing food that is clinically known as Dysphagia.

In some cases, the patient may feel of a presence of a lump in his throat.

During nighttime acid reflux the patient may experience a continuous ongoing cough.

It may result into an inflammation of vocal chord or larynx, clinically known as laryngitis.

The patient may develop trouble in breathing or asthma.

3. Importance of a Gastroenterologist in cases of GERD:
The patient must immediately seek the help of a gastroenterologist if any of the above-mentioned symptoms is troubling him. Chest pain with shortness of breathing is the warning signal that GERD is taking a turn for the bad. The patient may experience pain in his jaw or in his arms. These may be a signal of a heart attack in many cases.

The patient must make an appointment with a gastroenterologist if:

He is experiencing severe or frequent symptoms of GERD.

He is taking Over the Counter Medicines from the chemist all by himself.

4. Cause of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Passage of food through the oesophagus is controlled by muscle sphincter
like structures called valve. This valve opens when food is ingested and closes after the ingestion is complete. It prevents the contents of the stomach to flow back into oesophagus again. Any malfunction in this valve can result into the food content being flowing back into the oesophagus. Relaxed valve is the most common disorder for GERD. Continuous backwash of acid irritates the inner lining of the oesophagus at the initial stage, and it inflames the inner lining at the later stages. This may result into developing oesophageal ulcers if left untreated.

5. Reasons of risking having GERD: Persons having certain problems are more prone to suffer from GERD. These are:

If the person is Obese.

If the person is suffering from Hiatal Hernia where the top part of the stomach bulges above the diaphragm.

Ladies who are pregnant.

If the patient is suffering from connective tissue disorder such as scleroderma.

If the patient is suffering from constipation and his bowels are not cleared in time.

6. Factors that can initiate or aggravate GERD are:

Persons who smoke are more prone to GERD.

Overeating or eating irregularly, especially during late at night.

Eating fried or fatty food that can trigger GERD.

Being addicted to alcohol or aerated carbonated beverages.

Taking analgesic or anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aspirin.

7.Complication that can be raised by GERD:

Constant GERD may cause inflammation in the tissues of Oesophagus or Oesophagitis. It may result into bleeding and may aggravate into oesophageal ulcers. It is very painful condition and makes the patient suffer from difficulty in swallowing.

Constant GERD may narrow the oesophagus that is clinically known as narrowing of the oesophageal stricture. It damages the lower part of the oesophagus more severely. It can cause to form scar tissue over there. This results into narrowing the food pathway making it difficult in swallowing food.

It may lead to a precancerous stage of the oesophagus. This is clinically known as Barrett Oesophagus. The damaged tissues of the inner lining of the oesophagus may lead to an increased risk of oesophageal cancer.

Under such situations, it is best to consult the senior gastroenterologist at Indore, M. P. Dr. Amit Bundiwal, who can successfully treat this disease and help the patient to be free from this agonizing disease. He has years of experience in treating such cases and has a very well-equipped clinic to deal with such cases. His clinic is the only one at Central India and provides all facilities to treat GERD. Dr Amit Bundiwal is the person to provide relief to such suffering persons.

Shivaay Gastro Centre

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