Understanding Acid Reflux Better

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a digestion disorder that occurs when food is forced back into the mouth by the malfunctioning of esophageal valves and excessive buildup of pressure in the stomach. Though this disorder is not life-threatening, it makes life very uncomfortable. It is therefore important to know more about it and learn how to prevent it. Here are a few things about GERD that we thought you should know.

It Is Closely Related to Gastric Motility, Pyloric Outlet Obstruction, and Gastroparesis

Gastric motility refers to the contractions of stomach muscles. When these muscles contract and relax, they expel food from the stomach into the intestines. When they do not, food overstays in the stomach, creating a risk factor for acid reflux. Pyloric outlet obstruction, on the other hand, is the blockage of the pylorus, which serves as a posterior opening through which the stomach empties its contents into the intestines. Blockage of this opening also creates a risk factor for acid reflux. Assuming that stomach muscles contract and relax, as usual, food is being expelled through a closed opening, and this leads to the build-up of pressure. This pressure may build up to uncontainable levels, where the lower esophageal sphincter is forced open to allow food to move upwards, causing acid reflux. Lastly, acid reflux is closely related to gastroparesis. This is a situation where the stomach empties its contents into the intestines as expected but at a snail’s pace. It is characterized by stomach bloating and a feeling of fullness after taking a meal. Delayed stomach emptying may lead to the malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter which leads to acid reflux.

Diagnosis & Treatment of GERD Involves the Treatment of These Three Conditions

Acid reflux can be treated through anti-reflux procedures such as Stretta procedure and Nissen Fundoplication. However, before these procedures are administered, it is prudent to confirm whether or not the patient is suffering from gastric motility, pyloric outlet obstruction or gastroparesis. If treatment for acid reflux is administered with complete disregard of these disorders, there are chances that it will recur. Statistics show that more than half of GERD cases are caused by either gastric motility, gastroparesis or pyloric outlet obstruction. Sometimes, a patient suffers from more than one of these disorders.

There Is More Information on GERD Than You Need

There are more than enough resources for acid reflux online. These resources will equip you with the right knowledge on the nitty-gritty of GERD and how to fix it for good. They will also highlight the relationships between GERD and other digestion disorders so that you know the root cause of the diseases before seeking its treatment.

You Can Get Rid of GERD for Good

GERD is easily preventable and treatable. Indeed, you can get it out of your system for good. Just avoid taking too much of fatty foods, coffee, and chocolate. Exercise regularly and don’t overeat. Stop drinking alcohol excessively and smoking as well. Have regular checks for gastric motility, pyloric outlet obstruction, and gastroparesis.