Do You Know the Symptoms of GERD and Gastritis?Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) When I weighed 280 pounds, I developed symptoms of GERD and Gastritis. At the time, I was unaware there was a difference. I was also unaware of the dangers to my health of ignoring these symptoms. When I was obese I suffered with symptoms of GERD and Gastritis but did not seek treatment for many years. At first, I experienced GERD nausea once or twice per month, usually immediately after I ate. However, over time, other symptoms developed and they came more often. Besides GERD nausea, the main symptom of GERD is frequent heartburn or acid indigestion. GERD acid reflux heartburn feels like a burning pain in the lower part of the middle of your chest and extends to the middle of your stomach. You may have GERD without heartburn, though. A GERD cough, which is a dry cough and trouble swallowing are also symptoms of GERD. You may also feel like something is stuck in your throat after you eat, like I did. Ignoring symptoms of GERD and Gastritis only makes the conditions worse and can lead to severe GERD. You may also experience GERD shortness of breath, which may mimic asthma symptoms.
What Causes GERD?The causes of GERD are few. Because relaxation or non-closure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that opens the stomach, is the primary cause of GERD, anything that affects the sphincter will result in acid reflux. Obesity is one of the major causes of GERD. The extra weight from obesity increases the stomach pressure on the LES causing acid to reflux upward. Conditions That May Lead to GERD include: • Pregnancy • Hiatal Hernia (a weakening in the diaphragm, the breathing muscle in the chest. A Hiatal Hernia allows the LES to move upward in the chest causing refulx) • Smoking Treating GERD can be as minor as diet and lifestyle changes to major surgery. What is Gastritis?At 280 pounds, I also experienced Gastritis from GERD acid reflux heartburn. Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. While many may think of Gastritis as a disease, by itself it is not. Gastritis results from other causes.Gastritis is a condition that is caused by many factors.
Causes of GastritisFactors that can be the causes of gastritis include:• Medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for a long period of time • Infection caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) • Alcohol • Major surgery • Traumatic injury • Burns • Severe infections • Pernicious Anemia • Chronic Bile Reflux (As associated with GERD) Symptoms of GastritisThe most common symptom of Gastritis is pain in your stomach, typically severe with a sudden onset. Abdominal upset including belching, bloating, nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms of Gastritis.Sometimes Gastritis is associated with bleeding in your vomit or black stools. These are medical emergencies and you should seek treatment immediately.
Gastritis TreatmentGastritis treatment is aimed at addressing the underlying condition while eliminating symptoms.Medications include antacids to reduce stomach acid that accompanies bile reflux Gastritis and prevent erosive gastritis. Once stomach acid is decreased, healing improves. A Gastritis or GERD diet includes reducing or avoiding alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods. Your doctor can give you antibiotic treatment for the bacterial infection, H. pylori. Your doctor may also suggest surgery. Click here to learn more about GERD Surgery and possible complications. Symptoms of GERD and Gastritis can be miserable. Once you learn the facts on obesity you can take action to reduce your health risks, reduce your symptoms of Gastritis and GERD. Persons at Risk of GERD and GastritisWhile children may experience GERD and Acute Gastritis, these conditions are more common to adults. As part of normal growth, infants to 1 year experience reflux routinely. Reflux that interferes with an infant's appetite or extends beyond children one year of age may indicate a problem and parents should notify the child's doctor.
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