Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder that occurs when the bile or stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. It can cause heartburn, chest pain, and other symptoms. GERD is a common condition that affects a large population. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods and eating smaller meals.
There are medications to reduce stomach acid. Severe cases may involve surgery. So, if you suffer from heartburn, chest pain, or a sour taste in the mouth, you can be susceptible to GERD, caused by a weakened or dysfunctional lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
The LES is a muscle ring separating the esophagus from the stomach. When the LES weakens, stomach acid and other contents leak back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort.
Treatment for GERD
Medication
Dexilant 60mg or lesser dosage can treat this severe acidity condition. It works on the amount of acid in the stomach to relieve symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. You get this medicine in capsule form.
This capsule must be consumed once daily, with or without food. Chewing or crushing this medicine is not the right way to ingest it. There are different ways to use it—swallow it entirely or open it and mix the contents with applesauce.
You may wonder how long this course will continue. Although it varies by individual case, your physician will likely prescribe it for 1-6 months. Remember, anyone with a liver condition may be eligible to take only a tiny amount. So, remember to clarify this with your healthcare expert.
Lifestyle Changes
As hinted, avoid foods and beverages that can trigger or worsen this condition, such as spicy, fatty, or fried foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits, coffee, chocolate, and alcohol. You must also observe foods that trigger your symptoms and reduce your consumption. Another thing is to eat smaller meals frequently throughout the day.
Larger meals can put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, making it more likely for acid to reflux. When you eat, chew slowly. It will be better to avoid chewing gum or sucking on hard candy, which tends to elevate the amount of air in the stomach, causing bloating.
Some also believe tight-fitting clothing can create issues, putting pressure on the stomach and exacerbating symptoms. If you have GERD, you can note this and opt for comfortable wear. At the same time, avoid lying down for three hours after eating.
Gravity helps keep food and acid in your stomach, so lying down can make you more likely to experience reflux. Another critical habit change is quitting smoking. Smoking relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and boosts the production of stomach acid. If you smoke and have GERD, leaving is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
Medication is one of the most critical factors in treating this condition. As mentioned, your physician will most likely recommend Dexilant. Make sure you learn about its side effects and follow their instructions. And if you worry about the cost of the medicine, look for stores that sell it for pretty low prices. You can visit a generic pharmacy for this purpose.