Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
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BASICS |
Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is also called ACID REFLUX DISEASE, HEARTBURN, INDIGESTION & ACIDITY. |
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Your esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Gatroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when a muscle at the end of your esophagus does not close properly. This allows stomach contents to leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus and irritate it. |
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You may feel a burning in the chest or throat called heartburn or acidity. Sometimes, you can taste stomach fluid in the back of the mouth. This is acid indigestion. If you have these symptoms more than twice a week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease. |
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People of all ages including infants and children, can have gastroesophageal reflux disease. If untreated, it can lead to more serious health problems. In some cases, you might need medicines or surgery. However, many people can improve their symptoms by: |
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Avoiding alcohol and spicy, fatty or acidic foods that trigger heartburn |
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Eating smaller meals |
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Not eating close to bedtime |
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Losing weight if needed |
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Wearing loose-fitting clothes |
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Ref: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases |
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms |
Take this "Acid Test" to find out if you might suffer from Acid Reflux Disease and if you are taking the right steps to treat it. |
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At A Glance - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) |
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Do you frequently experience one or more of the following acid reflux symptoms: |
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An uncomfortable feeling behind the breastbone that seems to be moving upward from the stomach? |
Yes |
No |
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A burning sensation in the back of your throat? |
Yes |
No |
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A bitter, acid taste in your mouth? |
Yes |
No |
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Do you often experience the above problems after meals? |
Yes |
No |
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Do you experience heartburn or acid indigestion two or more times per week? |
Yes |
No |
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Do you find that antacids only provide temporary relief from your symptoms? |
Yes |
No |
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Are you taking prescription medication to treat heartburn but you are still experiencing symptoms? |
Yes |
No |
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lf you answered YES to two or more questions, you may have gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). |
To know for sure if Acid reflux disease is the cause of your heartburn like symptoms, see your doctor or a gastrointestinal specialist. |
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ABOUT NUTRITION (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Causes |
Common foods that can worsen acid reflux disease symptoms include: |
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Citrus fruits |
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Chocolate |
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Drinks with caffeine or alcohol |
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Fatty and fried foods |
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Garlic and onions |
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Mint flavorings |
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Spicy foods |
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Tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili, and pizza |
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Other Factors That May Contribute to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease |
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Obesity |
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Pregnancy |
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Smoking |
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Top 10 Foods That Can Cause Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease – Heartburn - Acidity |
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Lifestyle Changes that may affect Gastroesophageal reflux disease |
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If you smoke, stop. |
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Avoid foods and beverages that worsen symptoms. |
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Lose weight if needed. |
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Eat small, frequent meals. |
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Wear loose-fitting clothes. |
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Avoid lying down for three hours after a meal. |
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GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE – WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE |
Avoiding food two to three hours before bed may also help the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. See your health care provider if you have had symptoms of GERD and have been using antacids or other over-the-counter reflux medications for more than 2 weeks. Your health care provider may refer you to a gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats diseases of the stomach and intestines. |
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Articles on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: |
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Recipes For Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease |
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References for Gastroesophageal reflux disease |
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