May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Digestive Disorders What Digestive Disorder Do I Have: Acid Reflux or GERD?
What Digestive Disorder Do I Have: Acid Reflux or GERD? |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: Over the past few months, even with a decreased appetite, i am having extreme difficulty digesting food and often end up with heart burn, indigestion and chest pain following meals. i find spicy food, pasta, cheese, and fatty foods bring this on and burping tends to cause some alleviation. what digestive disorder do i have? Dear Gary: I am very sorry to hear about your heartburn condition for the past months. Acid reflux and heartburn are very common conditions but they should not present frequently like in your case. When the presentation is continuous, generally more than twice a week and interferes with normal lifestyle the entity is called Gastro esophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. GERD presents with burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), sometimes spreading to the throat, sour taste in your mouth, Chest pain, Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), Dry cough, Hoarseness or sore throat, Regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux). The cause of this is a weakness in the connection between the esophagus and the stomach called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter which relaxes when it should be tight. Usually lifestyle modifications can take care of this, weight loss, small meals, eat 3 hours before bedtime, smoking cessation and avoidance of fatty meals. Sweets, spicy foods, alcohol, peppermint and coffee. Sometimes over the counter medications such as antacids are used as well as medication to help esophageal and gastric emptying. I recommend you to start changing your diet and consult your physician for the possible use of medication and to rule out other possibilities. If the chest pain increases and radiates to your left arm or shoulder and you feel short of breath, please seek immediate medical attention to rule out heart disease. I wish you a prompt recovery. |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 02 March 2010 ) |
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