Loud-burps-embrassing-you?

Getting severe heartburn after meals ?? Embarrassed with loud burps at meetings? Feeling bloated even after a light meal ?? Well , you probably need to visit your Doctor as you may have fallen trap to GERD - Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease . GERD - gastroesophageal reflux disease - is more than just chronic heartburn. Although heartburn is the most common symptom of this disease, GERD is a condition in which stomach acid or, occasionally, bile flows back (refluxes) into your food pipe (esophagus). The constant backwash or acid reflux can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause inflammation. Such irritation can lead to complications such as narrowing of the esophagus, ulcers and even a slightly increased risk of esophageal cancer.
When acid reflux occurs, food or fluid can be tasted in the back of the mouth. When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus it may cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn or acid indigestion. Occasional GER is common and does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Persistent reflux that occurs more than twice a week is considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems. People of all ages can have GERD.

SOME COMMON SYMPTOMS :-

• Frequent heartburn, also called acid indigestion
• Burning-type pain in the lower part of the mid-chest, behind the breast bone, and in the mid-abdomen.

COMMON CAUSES :-
Hiatal Hernia:-
A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach and the LES move above the diaphragm, the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest. Normally, the diaphragm helps the LES keep acid from rising up into the esophagus. When a hiatal hernia is present, acid reflux can occur more easily.

Other factors that may contribute to GERD include

• obesity :- Generally , obese people have abdominal obesity which is a predisposing factor for Hiatal Hernia
• pregnancy
• smoking

Common foods that can worsen reflux symptoms include

• chocolate
• drinks with caffeine or alcohol
• fatty and fried foods
• garlic and onions
• mint flavorings
• spicy foods
• tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili, and pizza

TREATMENT
It is advisable to see your family physician if you have had symptoms of GERD and have been using antacids or other over-the-counter reflux medications for more than 2 weeks. Your family physician may refer you to a gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats diseases of the stomach and intestines. Depending on the severity of your GERD, treatment may involve one or more of the lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.

Lifestyle Changes

• Avoid foods and beverages that worsen symptoms.
• Lose weight if needed.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Avoid lying down for 3 hours after a meal.
• If you smoke, stop.
• Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches by securing wood blocks under the bedposts. Just using extra pillows will not help.

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