Gerd Symptoms

Recognizing GERD Symptoms

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease and is a chronic condition that can cause life threatening esophageal cancer in severe cases left untreated. While not every case of GERD leads to cancer or even Barrett's esophagus, this disease does require medical attention. It is wise to learn more about GERD symptoms and if you are having them, see your doctor as soon as possible. While symptoms of GERD may include those that are also acid reflux symptoms, there are some variations that make gastroesophageal reflux disease different from garden variety reflux.

Just like with symptoms of acid reflux, GERD may manifest with heartburn and regurgitation into the back of the throat or even up into the mouth. However, symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease may also include a hoarse voice, the feeling of a lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing and even a persistent dry cough. Also, unlike acid reflux disease symptoms the symptoms of GERD occur on a regular basis and may be more uncomfortable or debilitating. Like any other disease, the symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. You may want to keep a journal about when your symptoms occur, what seems to trigger them and how uncomfortable they are.

Even if you suspect you have GERD, there is a lot that can be done. There are both acid neutralizers and proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. While acid neutralizers help simmer down the acid produced by the stomach and relieve discomfort, PPI drugs actually inhibit the amount of digestive acid that is produced. Because the cells that make the acid are constantly being reproduced, it is impossible for proton pump inhibitor drugs to totally eliminate gastric acids. Acid neutralizer medications are good for mild to moderate acid reflux but may not be enough to alleviate the discomfort of GERD.

Because it can be hard to tell GERD symptoms from acid reflux symtoms, it is extremely important that you consult your doctor. He or she will examine you and/or refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist or ENT. They can perform more detailed tests and examinations and even look at your esophagus on X-ray using a technique known as a barium swallow. Once the problem has been diagnosed, the proper treatment can be started. Whether that is a prescription drug, over the counter or surgical procedure depends on the severity of your case.

 

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: Acid Reflux, GERD, Gerd Symptoms

Articles

• Acid Reflux
• Acid Reflux Burping
• Acid Reflux Causes
• Acid Reflux Heartburn
• Acid Reflux Hiatal Hernia
• Acid Reflux Medication
• Acid Reflux Pain
• Acid Reflux Relief
• Acid Reflux Surgery
• Acid Reflux Treatment
• Bile Acid Reflux
• Foods That Cause Acid Reflux
• Gerd Diet
• Gerd Symptoms
• Heartburn And Acid Reflux
• Infant Gerd
• Natural Cures For Acid Reflux
• Preventing Acid Reflux
• Severe Acid Reflux
• Silent Acid Reflux



• Social Bookmark This Page
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• Privacy Policy
• Contact Us
• About Us
• Sitemap