GERD

I warn you, this is a very long entry, merely posted for my personal reference. The gastro said my condition is more towards a reflux, so i googled the net and found this....


What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
---> Yup my doc did mention that my valve is some kind of loose hence make it easier for the acid to come up to esophagus.

When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth, and this is called acid indigestion. Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems.
---> of late i experience heartburn every time after consuming food, even in a small amount. It really causes serious discomfort, at times i feel like not wanting to eat at all.

What are the symptoms of GERD?
The main symptoms are persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation. Some people have GERD without heartburn. Instead, they experience pain in the chest, hoarseness in the morning, or trouble swallowing.

the doctor may recommend avoiding

sodas that contain caffeine
chocolate and peppermint ---> choc?? my favourite!!
spicy foods like pizza
acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes
fried and fatty foods

What causes GERD?
No one knows why people get GERD. A hiatal hernia may contribute. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach is above the diaphragm, the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest. The diaphragm helps the LES keep acid from coming up into the esophagus. When a hiatal hernia is present, it is easier for the acid to come up. In this way, a hiatal hernia can cause reflux. A hiatal hernia can happen in people of any age; many otherwise healthy people over 50 have a small one.

Also, certain foods can be associated with reflux events, including

citrus fruits
chocolate --> my favourite
drinks with caffeine
fatty and fried foods --> my favourite
garlic and onions
mint flavorings
spicy foods ---> favourite jugaks!
tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, chili, and pizza --> no wonder i had a serious attack last thursday rite after i took spaghetti for lunch

Medications:
1. Foaming agents, such as Gaviscon, work by covering your stomach contents with foam to prevent reflux. These drugs may help those who have no damage to the esophagus
2. Proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex), and esomeprazole (Nexium), which are all available by prescription. Proton pump inhibitors are more effective than H2 blockers and can relieve symptoms in almost everyone who has GERD.

This morning the doc asked whether i am covered? i said yes. Then he said okla i give you Nexium. This is imported, very expensive tau. I'll give you for a month's stock.

hmm bersyukurnyer keje kat T*............:p