Is Gerd Dangerous Or Life
GERD isnt life-threatening or dangerous in itself. But long-term GERD can lead to more serious health problems:
- Esophagitis: Esophagitis is the irritation and inflammation the stomach acid causes in the lining of the esophagus. Esophagitis can cause ulcers in your esophagus, heartburn, chest pain, bleeding and trouble swallowing.
- Barrett’s esophagus: Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that develops in some people who have long-term GERD. The damage acid reflux can cause over years can change the cells in the lining of the esophagus. Barretts esophagus is a risk factor for cancer of the esophagus.
- Esophageal cancer: Cancer that begins in the esophagus is divided into two major types. Adenocarcinoma usually develops in the lower part of the esophagus. This type can develop from Barretts esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the cells that line the esophagus. This cancer usually affects the upper and middle part of the esophagus.
- Strictures: Sometimes the damaged lining of the esophagus becomes scarred, causing narrowing of the esophagus. These strictures can interfere with eating and drinking by preventing food and liquid from reaching the stomach.
Drink Diluted Baking Soda
Also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda, baking can help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux. Baking soda is alkaline, which means it can neutralize the acid.
Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda into a 4-ounce glass of water. Mix well before drinking it. Drink slowly to avoid gas and diarrhea.
Drinking baking soda occasionally is generally safe, but drinking too much baking soda can be dangerous. Overdoing it can cause alkalosis, which can cause cardiovascular problems. Baking soda is very high in sodium. It can also prevent your body from absorbing certain medications.
Sip Apple Cider Vinegar In Water
Apple cider vinegar is another home remedy that some people use to treat heartburn. Some believe that drinking apple cider vinegar could improve your digestive health.
No solid evidence supports this claim yet, according to the Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource. But consuming small amounts of diluted apple cider vinegar is typically considered safe.
Drinking large amounts or undiluted vinegar can come with risks. These include damaging your teeth, hurting your throat, or even triggering acid reflux.
If you decide to try this remedy, dilute 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in an 8-ounce water and drink it after your meal.
NCCIH . This herb can help relieve nausea, so some believe it may be worth trying for heartburn, too.
Consider adding grated or diced ginger root to your favorite stir-fry recipes, soups, and other foods. To make ginger tea, steep raw ginger root, dried ginger root, or ginger tea bags in boiling water.
However, large doses of ginger may actually cause heartburn or other problems, so use it in small amounts.
Its probably best to avoid ginger ale. Carbonated beverages are a common heartburn trigger, and most brands of ginger ale are made with ginger flavoring rather than the real thing.
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How Can Gastritis Be Prevented
If a person knows what causes their gastritis, the simplest approach is to avoid the cause.
Alcohol
- Aspirin and alcohol are the two most widely used substances that cause gastritis.
- Alcohol should be avoided if the person develops an upset stomach and nausea after drinking alcohol.
The mainstay of gastritis prevention is to avoid those things that irritate or inflame the stomachs lining.
- NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen
- Caffeine and other caffeine-like substances
If the patients health-care professional has prescribed a medication that they think is causing gastritis symptoms, talk to the doctor before you stop taking the medication. The medication may be very important for the patients health.
Written byBel Marra HealthPublished onDecember 5, 2017
Excessive stomach acid can be uncomfortable to live with, and while in many cases it is a minor nuisance, it can lead to serious health problems when not treated.
Stomach acid is important to the digestive system. It helps us process food and it kills harmful bacteria. The stomach makes the hormone called gastrin, which creates hydrochloric acid. When these acid levels increase, it can lead to hyperacidity. Excess stomach acid can range from mild to severe.
Our diet, environment, and even stress can be contributing factors to excessive stomach acid. There are, in fact, relatively simple ways to reduce excess stomach acid or prevent it altogether.
Can Drinking Milk Help My Heartburn
You may have heard that drinking a glass of milk can relieve heartburn. While it’s true that milk can temporarily buffer stomach acid, nutrients in milk, particularly fat, may stimulate the stomach to produce more acid.
Even though milk might not be a great heartburn remedy, however, it’s a rich source of bone-building calcium. Try fat-free skim milk and don’t overdo it. Drink no more than 8 ounces of skim milk at a time — as a snack in between meals. Overfilling the stomach may increase heartburn.
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Foods That Reduce Excess Stomach Acid
Do you often suffer from stomach acidity after having a meal? If yes, then you need to include certain foods in your diet that will cut down on stomach acidity.
Stomach acid to a certain level is required to digest the food and allow the body to absorb nutrients. However, too much of stomach acidity occurs when there is acid backflow from the stomach into the oesophagus.
Sometimes, stomach acidity can cause other problems too like stomach ulcers and heartburn. This causes a discomfort in the oesophagus. So, it is rather important to reduce your stomach acid by eating certain foods that will aid in reducing stomach acidity.
Eating the right kind of foods is the key to controlling stomach acidity. Here are 10 foods that reduce excess stomach acid.
1. Milk
Milk contains calcium, an alkaline mineral that works to neutralize acid in contact. Milk contains large amounts of calcium, making it one of the best foods to reduce stomach acid. If you are suffering from stomach acidity, soothe your stomach by gulping down a glass of milk.
Pull Out The Ginger Tea
Ginger has been used in herbal remedies for centuries. Its still commonly used to treat ailments and illnesses. This is simply because it really works. You can even keep colds and the flu at bay if you start using it from the very beginning. We recommend this ginger tea as the best on the market.
While most people will tell you to stay away from heat when suffering from stomach acid problems, ginger tea is allowed. The ginger in the liquid helps to counteract the acid problems and reduces the inflammation in the body. Your whole body will thank you as you feel more relaxed and like yourself again.
If youre struggling with the heat of the liquid, you can opt for lukewarm tea instead. This is something to try with some lemon and honey to help line the esophagus and balance out the acidic stomach acid levels.
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Take An Acid Neutralizer
When heartburn hits and you need relief, try an antacid like Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox. These medications act quickly to neutralize the acid in the stomach, which can reduce your symptoms. Dont have any on hand? Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in eight ounces of water and drink to neutralize the acid in your stomach. Just use caution with this home remedy since its high in sodium and shouldnt be used by people on a sodium-restricted diet.
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We also like H-2 blockers, also known as Histamine H2-receptor antagonists. These include such brand names a Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Tagamet, and Zantac. These medications dont work as quickly as acid neutralizers, but they are still very fast. H2 blockers should be taken about 30 minutes before you eat or when you typically experience symptoms.
The benefit of H2 blockers is that they work longer than antacids, but they dont have the same medical risks associated with proton pump inhibitors. As is true with all medications we highly recommend that you discuss use with your doctor before you begin any drug treatment, prescription or over-the-counter.
And remember that while these quick fixes may help relieve your GERD symptoms, they dont address the underlying cause of those symptoms. Your goal should be to stop reflux from happening in the first place, which is why we recommend several long-term solutions to cure heartburn.
In Addition To The Above Certain Lifestyle Changes Can Also Help To Prevent Acidity They Are:
- Stay active and engage in any kind exercise, be it swimming, cycling, dancing or any of your favourite sport.
- Eat smaller meals, 4 to 5 times a day.
- Have your dinner early, at least 2 hours before you hit the bed.
- Dont overeat and chew your food well while eating.
- Dont lie down immediately after a meal.
- Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
- Raise the head end of your bed while lying down.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
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Acid Reflux At Night Symptoms
If you have acid reflux during the night, these are the symptoms to look out for. Well split this into two sections: common symptoms, and more severe symptoms that are usually associated with GERD. The most common acid reflux symptoms include:
- Burning pain in the chest
- A sour taste in the mouth
- Regurgitating food or stomach acid
- Bad breath
- Wheezing due to stomach acid getting into the windpipe
- A chronic sore throat
- Bloody vomiting or stools
If you think that you have GERD or the above symptoms, you should see a doctor. Having GERD for a long time without treating it can cause further complications. Examples include pneumonia, esophagitis , and esophageal cancer.
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What Helps A Burning Throat
Baking soda: Try to drink a glass of water after mixing ½ teaspoon of baking soda in it.
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Cough Sore Throat Or Asthma:
If stomach acid is seeping into your throat or lungs, soreness and coughing are predictable outcomes, and if youre already an asthma sufferer, the strain of constantly coughing can actually trigger an asthma attack.
If you are asthmatic, its all the more important that you treat your acid reflux to help avoid unnecessary attacks.
These are just a few of the symptoms associated with acid reflux. You can read more here.
If you suspect that you may have acid reflux, its important to get a full evaluation from your doctor to rule out any more serious disorders, including stomach ulcers, cancer, or heart problems.
Home Remedies For Heartburn And Acid Reflux
If youre experiencing heartburn, youll be glad to hear that there are several options for at-home fixes.
But, like medications, home remedies and supplements can have risks. Some can interact with medications or cause other problems.
If youre pregnant, breastfeeding or chestfeeding, or have other health conditions, you may need to avoid certain remedies or supplements.
Herbal remedies and supplements are for safety and effectiveness in the same way that medications are. So, its not always possible to know exactly whats in the bottle youre buying and what effects it could have.
Its always best to talk with your doctor before trying these options.
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A Pharmacist Can Help With Heartburn And Acid Reflux
Speak to a pharmacist for advice if you keep getting heartburn.
They can recommend medicines called antacids that can help ease your symptoms.
It’s best to take these with food or soon after eating, as this is when you’re most likely to get heartburn. They may also work for longer if taken with food.
How Common Is Gerd
GERD is very common. The condition and its symptoms touch a huge number of people: 20% of the U.S. population.
Anyone of any age can develop GERD, but some may be more at risk for it. For example, the chances youll have some form of GERD increase after age 40.
Youre also more likely to have it if youre:
- Overweight or obese.
- Smoking or are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke.
- Taking certain medications that may cause acid reflux.
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What Causes Heartburn During Pregnancy
Causes of heartburn during pregnancy include:
- Hormone levels changing: Your hormone levels change during pregnancy, affecting how you tolerate and digest foods. The hormones often slow down your digestive system. Food moves slower, causing bloating and heartburn.
- Esophageal sphincter relaxing: Progesterone, known as the pregnancy hormone, can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax. When it relaxes, stomach acid can move up into the esophagus.
- Uterus enlarging: As your baby grows, your uterus gets bigger. It can crowd your stomach and push stomach acids upward, into your esophagus. Thats why heartburn is more common during the third trimester, the last few months of pregnancy. The baby and uterus are biggest then, crowding your other organs.
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Acid Reflux Heartburn Or Gerd
Sometimes other words are used to refer to heartburn, like acid reflux or GERD. But they do not all mean the same thing. To treat heartburn, its helpful to understand the difference.
Heartburn is a symptom. It means the feeling of burning pain in the middle of your chest. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , the pain typically starts behind your breastbone and moves up toward your throat.
Acid reflux happens when your stomach acid travels too high up in your digestive system. Usually, gravity and your digestive system work together to keep stomach acid down in your stomach where it belongs. But sometimes it can rise up into your esophagus and cause irritation, heartburn, or other symptoms.
You might have heard of GERD its a shorter name for gastroesophageal reflux disease. While this condition can have many different causes and symptoms, it often involves heartburn. GERD can sometimes lead to serious complications, so if you have heartburn frequently, talk with a doctor.
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Dont Drink Too Much Citrus Juice
Many types of citrus juice, including orange juice and grapefruit juice, are considered common triggers for heartburn .
These ingredients are highly acidic and contain compounds like ascorbic acid, which could cause indigestion if you consume them in large amounts .
In addition to being acidic, certain compounds found in citrus juice could irritate the lining of the esophagus .
While citrus juice probably doesnt cause acid reflux directly, it could make your heartburn worse temporarily.
Summary
Some people with acid reflux report that drinking citrus juice makes their symptoms worse. Certain compounds in citrus juice, in addition to acids, can also irritate the lining of the esophagus.
Everything You Need To Know On How To Reduce Stomach Acid
Stomach acid is needed to digest food and allow the body to absorb nutrients. You need a certain level daily, or you can end up with digestive problems and constipation.
However, there are times that your stomach acid causes other problems. You can have too much, causing stomach ulcers and heartburn. Some people must deal with the stomach acid leaving the stomach the wrong way, causing discomfort on the esophagus.
So, you need to find a way to reduce stomach acid. You want to cut the problem of heartburn and stomach ulcers as much as possible. While there are medications to help, you can also help to reduce stomach acid naturally. These tips will help to deal with the symptoms of heartburn at the same time.
Heres a look at all you need to know about reducing stomach acid.
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What Do You Have To Know
Stomach acid production is directly related to the amount of stomach acid you have in your stomach. Some stomach problems are caused by a lack of stomach acid and stomach ulcers are the most common. Stomach acid helps to destroy any bacteria that may enter your stomach, but too little acid can leave you open to infections.
Worst Foods For Reflux
In general, anything that is fatty, acidic or highly caffeinated should be avoided. The worst foods for acid reflux list includes:
- Coffee and tea Caffeinated beverages aggravate acid reflux. Opt for teas without caffeine.
- Carbonated beverages The bubbles expand in your stomach, creating more pressure and pain. Choose plain water or decaf iced tea.
- Chocolate This treat has a trifecta of acid reflux problems: caffeine, fat and cocoa.
- Peppermint Dont be fooled by its reputation for soothing the tummy peppermint is an acid reflux trigger.
- Grapefruit and orange The high acidity of citrus fruits relaxes the esophagus sphincter and worsens symptoms.
- Tomatoes Also avoid marinara sauce, ketchup and tomato soup theyre all naturally high in acid.
- Alcohol This has a double whammy effect. Alcohol relaxes the sphincter valve but it also stimulates acid production in the stomach.
- Fried foods These are some of the worst foods for reflux. Skip the french fries, onion rings and fried chicken cook on the grill or in the oven at home.
- Late-night snacks Avoid eating anything in the two hours before you go to bed. Also, you can try eating four to five smaller meals throughout the day instead of two to three large meals.
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