Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder where stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn, chest pain, and other discomforts. Affecting millions in India, GERD has seen a rising prevalence due to changing lifestyles, diet patterns, and stress. It’s estimated that nearly 22% of the Indian population experiences GERD symptoms, making it a significant health concern. Persistent heartburn, sour taste, and difficulty swallowing are common signs of GERD that should not be ignored.

If these symptoms disrupt your daily life or occur more than twice a week, it’s time to consult a doctor for effective management and relief. Understanding GERD is the first step towards better digestive health and reclaiming your comfort.

GERD can develop due to various factors, often linked to lifestyle choices, dietary habits, and underlying health conditions. Understanding the triggers can help in managing symptoms effectively. Here’s a look at some of the key causes:

1. Dietary Triggers: Foods like spicy dishes, fatty meals, chocolates, citrus fruits, and caffeinated drinks can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus.

2. Obesity: Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, puts pressure on the stomach, pushing acid into the oesophagus and increasing the likelihood of GERD symptoms.

3. Smoking and Alcohol: Both smoking and alcohol consumption can weaken the LES, making it easier for acid reflux to occur. They also irritate the esophageal lining, worsening symptoms.

4. Hiatal Hernia: A condition where a part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, hiatal hernia disrupts normal functioning of the LES, contributing to GERD.

5. Delayed Stomach Emptying: Conditions that slow down the process of stomach emptying, such as gastroparesis, increase the risk of GERD by causing excess acid buildup.

Identifying and managing these causes can play a crucial role in reducing the frequency and severity of GERD, allowing you to lead a more comfortable and healthy life.

GERD symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-altering pain, often striking when you least expect it. Recognizing these signs early can help in seeking timely treatment and preventing complications.

1. Heartburn: The most common symptom, heartburn feels like a burning sensation in the chest, often after eating or when lying down. It’s not just a passing annoyance but a sign of acid irritating your oesophagus.

2. Regurgitation: Experiencing a sour or bitter taste in your mouth? That’s regurgitation—a backflow of acid and undigested food, leaving you with an unpleasant aftertaste and bad breath.

3. Chest Pain: GERD-related chest pain can mimic a heart attack, leading to confusion and anxiety. Unlike heart-related pain, this discomfort often worsens when bending, lying down, or after meals.

4. Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Persistent acid reflux can cause the oesophagus to narrow, leading to a feeling of food getting stuck. This can make swallowing painful and challenging.

5. Chronic Cough and Sore Throat: GERD doesn’t just affect your digestive system; it can also impact your respiratory health. A chronic cough, hoarseness, and even asthma-like symptoms can result from acid irritating the throat and airways.

6. Nausea and Vomiting: While not as common, persistent nausea or vomiting without an obvious cause could be linked to GERD, especially if it’s paired with other symptoms.

7. Bloating and Burping: Frequent burping or a feeling of fullness can be related to GERD, especially after eating. These symptoms often accompany other digestive issues and signal a need for dietary adjustments.

Spotting these symptoms early and understanding their connection to GERD can guide you towards proper management, enhancing your quality of life and protecting your overall health.