Live Life Team
The GORD as it is commonly referred to, is a condition related to stomach. The problem starts when the acids in the stomach leak out of it and come into the oesophagus, a tube in the body which runs from throat to stomach. The condition is also referred to as acid reflux. The condition is normally seen to be originating from the living styles of people and their daily habits. The condition is normally of a chronic type and would keep bothering one, time and again. It can also be termed as indigestion on common grounds and happens to almost 10-20% of population at minimum of once a week.
Symptoms
The condition would be caused due to acidic reflux in the body, and the main symptoms would be heartburn feeling and regurgitation in the throat. Normally one may feel a burning sensation in the stomach and towards the chest which is quite similar to acidity. Also the mouth may be left with a sour taste because of the acids flushing back towards mouth. These types of symptoms are usual seen after having a huge meal or at sleeping time. The symptoms are not too bothering so does not call for any urgency in action or seeing a doctor. These can be relieved by making small changes in the eating and living habits.
Causes
The causes are all related to the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle which would be responsible for working as a gatekeeper for the food to be driven inside the stomach and being kept there. Also this way it manages to maintain the stomach acids inside. Sometimes the condition happens with the muscle getting weak and then letting the acid go out of the stomach into the oesophagus, inducing this condition. Other different causes of this condition can include any undue pressure on the stomach. Also as per the medical understanding, eating fatty food, too much of intake of chocolates, coffee, or drinking habits, pregnancy, hernia can cause this condition. Also stress and overweight can make this condition chronic in nature, making it recurring.
Diagnosis
The doctor can find out the condition by asking some basic questions. In case the reflux takes a severe stage, the doctor can recommend endoscopy which would help in seeing inside the stomach and confirm about the GORD. There are lots of cases, as many as 30% where endoscopy may also not be able to find out the exact cause and that particular condition is called as ENRD.
Treatment
There are lots of ways one can tackle the condition. Losing weight would eliminate their problems to a larger extent. Smoking can also be a major reason behind the condition which would increase the reflux. Also habits like eating small meals on more frequent basis, exercising, would help in improving the conditions and getting relieved from it. There are OTC drugs available around the country to relieve from the condition as category of antacids and alginates. Also for people, where the GORD does not respond, one may need proton-pump inhibitors to be used for a month’s time.
