If you have frequent upsurge of something acidic from your stomach and it causes heartburn and irritates your oesophagus, it is time you took some medical help.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) has become quite common – more because of lifestyle than anything else.
Some of these cases are caused by hiatus hernia, wherein the stomach prolapses upward into the oesophagus. But the majority of GERD cases are attributed to junk food, regular and excessive intake of alcohol, and smoking.
The acidic rise gets into the oesophagus when the lower oesophageal sphincter that should allow only one-way traffic (from the mouth to the stomach) gives way in the reverse direction as well.
“Excessive intake of coffee and tea also worsens the situation,” says Anish Kumar, gastroenterologist at Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences, Kozhikode.
GERD is among many problems alcohol can cause. As for smoking, he says, it reduces the capability of saliva to neutralise the impact of the acidic upsurge on the teeth. The acid can turn the teeth brittle. The stomach contains concentrated hydrochloric acid. In persons with GERD, it rises up into the oesophagus.
May lead to cancer
When this happens frequently, it damages the oesophagus, especially by causing strictures to form, which turn the passage narrow. If left untreated, a persistent GERD can lead to cancer of the oesophagus.
“The acid does not cause damage to the stomach because it has a protective mucous layer. But, the oesophagus does not have this protection. That is why the acidic content causes strictures in the oesophagus,” he explains.
“Given the present lifestyle, GERD can be too common. One should look for early warning signs and effect a lifestyle modification,” Dr. Anish avers.
The treatment is based on the severity of the problem. In its earliest and mildest form, GERD can be treated with antacids and similar mild drugs.
If severe, doctors will prescribe proton pump inhibitors that are generically known as omeprezole and pantaprezole drugs.
But it will be better to let the doctor assess the severity of the problem and prescribe the drugs than opt for over-the-counter medicines.
(Reporting by
K.V. Prasad)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease has become quite common – more because of lifestyle than anything else