What Is GERD And Its Treatments
Many people wonder what is GERD and what causes it. The acronym GERD means gastroesophageal reflux disease. What is GERD can be easily explained as a condition where the stomach acids regurgitate into the esophagus causing some symptoms that can be uncomfortable and sometime painful for the individual. The main cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease is the malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter. This muscle is supposed to tighten the upper part of our stomach to prevent the stomach acids from coming up.
Treatments For GERD
Medical practitioners can tell us what is GERD and how to treat it so it is best to consult doctors before we try self medication. There are other conditions and diseases that are similar to symptoms of what GERD is but these are not GERD at all. To find out what GERD is, it is best to ask a doctor for a diagnosis so you can start treatments as soon as possible.
There are several ways to treat GERD and these are without the use of drugs and chemical, using drugs and chemicals and surgery. What is GERD none drug treatment and how does it differ from drug treatments? When we do not use drugs to treat GERD, we use alternative medicines such as acupuncture and other herbal tonics and products which can promote proper function of the lower esophageal sphincter or to control the acid production of our stomachs.
Drug or chemical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease entails taking medication for a long period of time in order to facilitate and mange the stomachs production of stomach acids. These drugs and chemicals range from antacids to much stronger medications in order to control stomach acid production.
Surgery to alleviate gastroesophageal reflux disease is a process where the surgeons will adjust or fix the patient's lower esophageal sphincter in order for it to function properly. Some individuals prefer surgery to long term medication because there is less risk of side effects for surgery compare to taking medication.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is not a life threatening disease and can easily be controlled with the use of over the counter antacids and other prescription medications. It is best to stress that consultation with a specialist who deals with these cases is best compared to taking medication according to what you believe in. Self medication can be dangerous especially if you are not sure what you are suffering from and just following the advise of other people who are not practicing doctors.
