GERD and Hiatus hernia
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Hiatus hernia
A digestive condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, affects the ring of muscle that sits between your stomach and esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is the term for this ring. You could have acid reflux disease or heartburn if you have it. Physicians believe that hiatal hernias may be the reason in certain cases. Most of the time, GERD symptoms may be reduced by making dietary and lifestyle adjustments. However, some people could require surgery or medicine.
Causes of GERD
The stomach and esophagus are referred to as “gastroesophageal.” To reflux is to return or flow backward. The term “gastric reflux” refers to the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Your LES opens to let food enter your stomach during regular digestion. Subsequently, it shuts to prevent food particles and stomach acid from returning to your esophagus. When the LES is weak or relaxes when it shouldn’t, it can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease. This permits the contents of the stomach to ascend into the esophagus.
Treatment of GERD
If you have asthma in addition to GERD, controlling your GERD will help reduce the symptoms of your asthma.Research has indicated that after treating their reflux condition, individuals with GERD and asthma saw a reduction in their asthma symptoms and usage of asthma medications.
Modifications in lifestyle to treat GERD include:
• Raise the bed’s head by six to eight inches.
Reduce your weight
• Give up smoking
• Cut back on alcohol consumption
• Avoid large evening meals and restrict meal sizes.
• Avoid lying down for two to three hours after eating.
• Cut back on caffeine consumption
Steer clear of theophylline if you can.
Additionally, your doctor can suggest drugs to cure reflux or lessen symptoms. H2 blockers and over-the-counter antacids could lessen the effects of stomach acid. Proton pump inhibitors may also be useful since they prevent the synthesis of acid.
Hiatal Hernia
When the upper portion of your stomach pushes up through a diaphragm opening and into your chest, you get a hiatal hernia. The muscular wall that divides your chest cavity from your abdomen is called your diaphragm. Any organ or tissue that pushes through a hole in the tissue barrier that ordinarily confines it is called a hernia. Hiatal hernias are among the most prevalent forms of hernias. The diaphragm, which is the aperture through which your esophagus connects to your stomach, has an inherent weakness that is pushed through by hiatal hernias. This opening is referred to by medical professionals as the esophageal hiatus, which is also the origin of the terms hiatal hernia and hiatus hernia.
Symptoms
Heartburn
Regurgitation
Weight loss
Indigestion
Burping
Noncardiac chest pain