Gerd Cure
By admin | May 10, 2008
GERD refers to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease which occurs when the muscle between the esophagus ceases to work effectively. This allows acidic liquid from the stomach to wash up into the esophagus(reflux). This causes irritation to the lining of the esophagus and can potentially cause it to become severely damaged. People who suffer from this condition can experience a high level of discomfort and pain and will otften search for something that can cure GERD.
At present, GERD is a long-term condition that cannot be completely cured. However, it can usually be effectiviely managed through lifestyle changes and/ or medication.
Lifestyle changes involve things such as: cutting out food and drinks that can exacerbate reflux such as caffeine, carbonated drinks, acidic, spicy or fatty food and chocolate; losing weight (if necessary) giving up smoking, refraining from eating 2-3 hours before going to bed, eating smaller, regular meals and sleeping with the top part of the body elevated.
Whilst medication doesn’t tend to completely cure GERD, it can be relatively sucessful in alleviating discomfort and reducing the level of damage being done to the esophagus. For some people the doctor will recommend non-prescription antacids. People who experience the symptoms of GERD on regular basis or whose symptoms are very severe may need to be prescribed stronger medications.
If lifestyle changes and medication do not relieve the symptoms of GERD, surgery may be suggested. The surgery that is usually carried out on GERD patients is Nissen Fundoplication. During this procedure the fundus (the top part of the stomach) is wrapped around the esophagus and sewn into place. This reduces the chance of stomach acid entering the espophagus. This procedure can be carried out by open or laparoscopic surgery. Although such surgery can reduce a patient’s symptoms, it can not be viewed as a complete cure for GERD.
The uncomfortable and painful nature of the symptoms of GERD leads sufferers on a quest to find a cure for this condition. Unfortunately, there is not form of treatment that can guarentee an erradication of this disease. Effective management of the symptoms is the most that the majority of GERD sufferers can hope to achieve. For some, lifestyle changes will be all that will be reuired to keep to symptoms uner control. For others some of medication will be required and for people suffering severe GERD symptoms, surgery may be necessary. In the absence of a drug or a surgical procedure that can guarentee to totally cure GERD, sufferers should consult with their Physician to review regularly their treatment plan, to ensure that their symptoms are being managed as effectively as possible.
Topics: Acid Reflux, gerd, Heartburn Treatment | No Comments »