What Is GERD?

Being able to identify the symptoms of acid reflux will help you decide if you are suffering with this disease. Symptoms can be occasional (perhaps after a big meal late at night), or more frequent. Occasional heartburn is not something to worry about - just be aware of your eating habits, and use an over the counter heartburn relief.

What is GERD and the symptoms? When suffering from an incident of acid reflux, it is frequently mistaken for heartburn. Acid reflux is more serious, however, since it can cause damage to the stomach lining and the esophagus and throat. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms concurrently with heartburn, then it is essential to seek treatment before damage occurs.

Along with heartburn, if you feel burning or tightness in the chest or throat, along with a feeling of being bloated, you may have acid reflux. In addition, some patients complain of "pressure" in the stomach, throat or chest, as well as belching up a sour taste in their mouths and producing excessive amounts of saliva. If you experience heartburn along with these symptoms, then you need to find out more about what GERD is and how to treat it.

GERD symptoms vary in severity from person to person. For many, there may be a few simple lifestyle changes you can make to relieve the symptoms. What are my GERD treatment options?

Some of the things you can do are to avoid foods that trigger the onset of symptoms. Some of the things you might need to avoid are the obvious - spicy and fried or fatty foods, but there are other less conspicuous offenders. Refined flours, French fries and meats (both red meat and poultry) can trigger onset.

The ones that may really be overlooked are mints - think spearmint, peppermint and herbal teas. Alcohol and caffeine are also known for exacerbating the condition, as well as ice water.

Make sure to drink well ahead of your meals and to eat smaller meals spread out over the day to avoid acid reflux. This gives your body time to digest the food, and is also great for weight loss.

Medications are available for those who don't see a response to lifestyle changes. These are very effective, and are becoming more readily available. Speaking with your doctor will help you know that you are taking a medication that will not only soothe the acid reflux, but will also correct the damage that may have been done.

Surgery is a last alternative. A procedure is used to help heal the barrier between the esophagus and stomach to keep acid reflux from occurring. This option is used when lifestyle changes and medication don't offer adequate relief.

If you have ever already been diagnosed with GERD, there are things you can do. While occasional heartburn is normal, once you begin to explore the answer to "What is GERD?" you may realize it is time to make some significant lifestyle changes. Use multiple resources to find the answers that will work best for you.