My name is Jamie Turner and when I turned 22, I started to form a horrible case of acne. I used every cleanser and lotion I could find and I even asked my physician for a topical steroid cream to clear up the zits on my face. After six months of treatment, my physician completed a blood test that concluded that a hormone imbalance was causing my acne. I started on therapy to control the amount of estrogen my body produced. The therapy along with a good diet and exercise regimen helped to clear up my acne. I am sharing my story, because acne is not just a condition that affects teenagers. It can affect adults at any age, and it can cause a great deal of embarrassment. Don't let your acne go untreated. Read my blog instead and learn about both natural and medical treatments that can help you.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a condition that affects many people. This condition often causes heartburn and an acidic taste in the mouth and is known to affect people who are overweight, have hiatal hernias, or maintain poor diets in greater numbers. Certain medications may also have side effects that cause GERD to develop. Fortunately for people who suffer from GERD, there are different treatments available that can help alleviate symptoms and may even reverse the condition entirely.
The Cause of GERD
GERD is known to occur when the lower esophageal sphincter weakens or becomes too relaxed and causes acid and other contents in the stomach to back up into the esophagus. GERD may be a chronic condition that requires medical treatment or an infrequent problem that can sometimes be treated with over-the-counter medicines. The problem may worsen at night while lying in bed because of the lack of gravitational forces that are needed to help the esophagus empty food, stomach acid and bile more thoroughly.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of GERD may range from mild to severe and can last briefly or persist for several hours. Some of the most common symptoms include:
How GERD is Diagnosed
Symptoms alone can often determine the likelihood of GERD, and doctors often render GERD diagnoses when the condition is mild. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which involves the use of an endoscope with a camera at its end to examine the esophagus and stomach, can also be used to render a diagnosis and determine whether or not GERD has damaged any tissues or other nearby bodily structures. X-rays of the upper digestive system can additionally be taken to see if any damaging effects inside the esophagus are being caused by GERD. An internal pH test can be taken as well to determine if any unusually high acid levels in the esophagus are being caused by GERD. Another test that often works well in diagnosing GERD is esophageal manometry, which gauges muscle movements of the esophagus while swallowing.
GERD Treatment
In addition to treatment with antacids or other over-the-counter medicines to alleviate symptoms, GERD can often be treated by adopting better dietary habits, losing excess weight and quitting smoking. Abnormalities of the lower esophageal sphincter that may be causing GERD are often treatable using sutures to reinforce the valve with the use of an endoscope. Surgery is generally only recommended for severe GERD cases that do not respond well to more conservative treatments.
GERD can occur for many reasons, and finding the exact cause and implementing the appropriate treatment can help put an end to this problem. People who have GERD that interferes greatly with their sleep and everyday life are advised to see a medical professional for care.
Share18 March 2021
