Acidity / GERD
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease or acid-reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the contents of the stomach reflux backwards into the esophagus (food pipe). Since the stomach contents are acidic in nature, this damages the inner lining of the food pipe and causes symptoms of heartburn, pain, etc.
Causes
There are multiple causes responsible for initiating GERD, and different causes may be functioning in different individuals or even in the same individual at different times. The commonest causes responsible for GERD have been listed below:
Functional abnormalities of the lower esophageal sphincter,
Symptoms
The common symptoms of sinusitis include:
Abnormally weak contractions of the sphincter
Abnormal relaxations of the sphincter
Both of the above contribute to increases chances of backflow of the stomach contents into the esophagus.
A condition in which there is protrusion of the stomach up into the opening normally occupied by the esophagus in the diaphragm [the muscle that separates the chest (thoracic) cavity from the abdomen].
Co-ordinated esophageal contractions cause the forward movement of food from the esophagus into the stomach. When the wave of contraction is defective, the refluxed acid is not pushed back into the stomach and it can cause damage to the lining of the esophagus.
When food remains in the stomach for a longer duration, the stomach is distended for longer time and this increases the chances of reflux of the stomach contents.
1. Hiatus Hernia
2.Abnormal esophageal contractions:
3.Delayed emptying of the stomach:
4.There are several other contributing factors for GERD which are as follows:
Symptoms
The common symptoms of sinusitis include:
Dietary habits: Fatty and fried foods, chocolates, garlic and onions, drinks with caffeine, acid foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, spicy foods, mint flavorings, pungent foods, etc
Habits: Use of alcohol, cigarettes; poor posture (slouching) especially after meals
Drugs: Calcium channel blockers, antihistamines, theophylline, nitrates
Eating habits: Large meals, eating soon before sleeping
Other contributory conditions: Obesity, pregnancy, diabetes, rapid weight gain, etc
Stress: Though this has not been directly linked to GERD, most patients report an increase in their symptoms during stressful times.
Other medical conditions: Diabetes, pregnancy, Obesity
Homeopathic Management
Homeopathic medicine has been found to be extremely effective for GERD.
Commonly used medicines are
Ars alb
Nuxvomica
Carbo veg
Phosphorus
Robinia
Bismuth
China ..Etc
