I have chosen to write about gastroesophageal reflux disease which is also known as GERD. This disease is common in the United States and study has shown that there are over three million cases every year (MayoClinic). Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and reflux means to return or back flow. The return of the stomachs contents back up into the esophagus which is why it's called gastroesophageal reflux. GERD is located at the end of the esophagus where it becomes inflamed. The inflammation occurs when acid in the stomach flows backwards causing irritation in the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter also known as LES is affected by this disease. The LES is a ring of muscles between the esophagus and the stomach. In normal digestion
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Over the counter medication is just used for temporary relief and eventually will need a prescription. Over the counter medication may include Pepcid, Zantac, Axid or Pepto-Bismol. To get treated and use stronger medication then you would need to go see a doctor to get a prescription. A stomach acid suppressant that is commonly prescribed by the doctor is Protonix, AcipHex and Dexilant. Surgery is only needed in some cases. Surgeries such as the fundoplication surgery or an endoscopic procedure. An endoscopic procedure that involves making the lower esophageal sphincter function better(WebMD). A fundoplication surgery which is a 'surgical technique that strengthens the barrier to acid reflux when the lower esophageal sphincter does not work normally and there is gastro-esophageal reflux'(medicine net). Part of the treatment is to be sure that the patient avoids eating certain food and drinks. Those may include chocolate, peppermint, fried foods, fatty foods, coffee and alcohol beverages. Studies show that cigarette smoke relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter(WebMD). Try to decrease the intake of meal per sitting and eat three hours before the patient goes to bed. While sleeping, without using pillows, prop yourself up about six inches to help with the reflux. This can also help with the prevention of dealing with any of the
Over the counter medication is just used for temporary relief and eventually will need a prescription. Over the counter medication may include Pepcid, Zantac, Axid or Pepto-Bismol. To get treated and use stronger medication then you would need to go see a doctor to get a prescription. A stomach acid suppressant that is commonly prescribed by the doctor is Protonix, AcipHex and Dexilant. Surgery is only needed in some cases. Surgeries such as the fundoplication surgery or an endoscopic procedure. An endoscopic procedure that involves making the lower esophageal sphincter function better(WebMD). A fundoplication surgery which is a 'surgical technique that strengthens the barrier to acid reflux when the lower esophageal sphincter does not work normally and there is gastro-esophageal reflux'(medicine net). Part of the treatment is to be sure that the patient avoids eating certain food and drinks. Those may include chocolate, peppermint, fried foods, fatty foods, coffee and alcohol beverages. Studies show that cigarette smoke relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter(WebMD). Try to decrease the intake of meal per sitting and eat three hours before the patient goes to bed. While sleeping, without using pillows, prop yourself up about six inches to help with the reflux. This can also help with the prevention of dealing with any of the