Understanding GERD Disease
GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, a severe level of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) that occurs due to frequent and prolonged reflux. This condition results from a dysfunction in the opening and closing of the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach, causing acid or digestive juices from the stomach to flow back into the esophagus along with ingested food. When digestive juices reach the throat area, it leads to a severe chest pain known as Heartburn. Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition that can occur and is considered normal; it does not always have to be GERD. Therefore, to conclude that it is GERD, it must be a long-standing, persistent condition occurring more than twice a week, leading to illness.
Symptoms of GERD Disease
Key symptoms in adults include frequent chest pain (Heartburn) characterized by pain in the chest area, behind the breastbone, the central abdominal area, or a feeling of tightness rising up to the throat, and a burning sensation as if the heart is on fire, leading some to think they have heart disease. In children under 12 years of age and in some adults, GERD can occur without this chest pain symptom, but other symptoms such as dry cough, asthma, and problems swallowing food may be present.
Causes of GERD Disease
The main cause of GERD is a malfunction of the sphincter muscle between the esophagus and stomach. In some cases, the cause is unclear. Research indicates that tumors in the gastrointestinal tract can also lead to this disease, but not all individuals with tumors will experience symptoms of the disease.
Other potential causes of the disease include
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Obesity
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Pregnancy
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Smoking
Foods to Avoid with GERD Disease
Some foods can worsen symptoms, such as
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Sour fruits
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Chocolate
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Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages
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Fried and high-fat foods
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Onions and garlic
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Minty foods
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Very salty, sour, spicy, or strong-flavored foods
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Tomato-based foods, such as tomato sauce, chili sauce, spaghetti sauce, or pizza sauce
