GERD Treatment for Heartburn Heartburn is the painful burning sensation in the esophagus, just below or behind the breastbone. The pain often rises in chest and radiates to the neck or throat. One of the common reasons of heartburn is GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) where the food or liquid leaks backwards from the stomach into the esophagus. The food or liquid may reflux into the esophagus when a band of muscle at the end of esophagus fails to close enough. This partially digested material is acidic and irritates the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. Heartburn is more likely to occur in a hiatal hernia, when the top part of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest cavity. This weakens the lower esophagus and makes it easier for acid to reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. The condition can also be brought on or worsened by pregnancy and different medications. If medications are suspected to cause heartburn, consult a doctor. Regular medication should never be changed or stopped without talking to a doctor. The symptoms of GERD are : •
Feeling that food may be left trapped behind the breastbone
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Heartburn or a burning pain in the chest
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Nausea after eating
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Cough or wheezing
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Difficulty swallowing
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Hiccups
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Hoarseness or change in voice
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Regurgitation of food
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Sore throat
For severe symptoms, one or more tests may be required to diagnose reflux or other complications. EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is often used to identify the cause and
examines the esophagus for damage. The doctor inserts a thin tube with a camera on the end through mouth which is then passed into esophagus, stomach and small intestine. Other diagnostic measures may include Barium swallow, continuous esophageal pH monitoring and esophageal manometry. A positive stool occult blood test may diagnose bleeding from the irritation in the esophagus. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs may be used in GERD treatment Los Angeles. They work more slowly than antacids to give longer relief. These drugs may include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 antagonists and promotility agents and should be taken under the supervision of doctor or nurse. Anti-reflux operations may be an option for patients whose symptoms are not helped by lifestyle changes and drugs. Though heartburn and other symptoms improve after surgery, you still need to take drugs for heartburn. The newer therapies for reflux are performed through an endoscope. Like in GERD, heartburn treatment Los Angeles may also include making changes in food habits and lifestyle. Here also, the patient may be given overthe-counter drugs like Antacids, H2 blockers and Proton pump inhibitors.