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Do You Have Acid Reflux or GERD?

If you’ve ever had that uncomfortable, burning feeling in your chest after eating a large, spicy or fatty meal, you know how irritating and painful heartburn can be. It’s the primary symptom of both acid reflux and GERD.

Heartburn occurs when stomach contents, including stomach acid, flow back into the esophagus. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach, relaxes. During normal functioning, the LES opens to allow food to move between the esophagus and the stomach and closes when eating is not happening. When it dysfunctions, the LES opens when it shouldn’t.

Occasional heartburn is uncomfortable, but it’s nothing to worry about. Many people occasionally experience heartburn. But it could be a symptom of a more serious condition.

Do You Have Acid Reflux?

One symptom of acid reflux is heartburn. Other common symptoms of acid reflux are:

  • Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
  • Chronic, dry cough
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Feeling like there’s a lump in your throat
  • Sore throat

If you have acid reflux at night, you may experience symptoms like:

  • Coughing
  • Laryngitis
  • Asthma
  • Sleep disruption

…Or Is It GERD?

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) must be diagnosed by a doctor. If you experience mild acid reflux more than two times per week or severe acid reflux weekly, you may have GERD. It’s a chronic condition that can lead to more serious symptoms and conditions.

The backflow of acid from GERD can cause symptoms like difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, and tooth damage. If not controlled, damage to the esophagus can lead to ulcers, scarring, and esophageal cancer.

GERD can usually be treated with lifestyle changes or medication. Sometimes, surgery is necessary.

Risk Factors for GERD

Some factors can predict your likelihood of developing GERD. They include:

  • Smoking
  • Eating large meals
  • Eating late at night or laying down after eating
  • Eating fatty or fried foods
  • Drinking alcohol or coffee
  • Taking certain medications
  • Obesity
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Pregnancy
  • Connective tissue disorders
  • Gastroparesis

Suffering from Heartburn?

If you’re experiencing heartburn, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to help get rid of acid reflux:

  • After eating, don’t lay down for two or three hours
  • Raise the head of your bed
  • Eat smaller, frequent meals instead of three large meals
  • Avoid tight clothing
  • Stop smoking
  • Lose extra weight

Over the counter antacids can be used, too. However, if you’re taking them more than two times per week or your symptoms are getting worse, you may have GERD. Contact your doctor to talk about your health history and your symptoms, rule out other conditions, and figure out if you have acid reflux or GERD. Your doctor can come up with a treatment plan and help you avoid the complications of untreated GERD.

 

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