Acid Reflux is the common name for a condition called as Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). In an earlier article, we have covered in detail what is GERD and what are its symptoms. The same article also explored Medications and Diet plans that can help overcome GERD.
In this article, we will cover Lifestyle Changes and Stress Management that are required to overcome GERD in the immediate, and prevent a relapse in the future.
Again, this covers 5 broad topics and includes various tips.
This has been covered in detail in the earlier article. But just to summarize:
Several studies have been conducted and research findings published in leading journals around the world, about the connection between anxiety, depression, and GERD. Doctors and people suffering from GERD know that anxiety, stress, and depression can worsen GERD symptoms such as heartburn and upper abdominal pain. It’s not that stress increases acid production. In fact, several studies have shown that people with stress and suffering from GERD have the same levels of stomach acid in them as people without stress. Then what causes the problem? It is found that stress reduces the motility of the LES. That is, the contractions of the LES are less regulated and more random in stressed-out people.
So how does one reduce stress in order to overcome GERD? Stress management for any reason includes the same set of tips.
An occasional bout of acidity or acid reflux is something everybody goes through once in a while. But chronic acid reflux or GERD is a serious matter. If GERD is not treated in time, it can cause complications such as narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture), an open sore in the esophagus (esophageal ulcer), and precancerous changes to the esophagus (Barrett’s esophagus).
If you or any of your dear ones are showing symptoms of GERD, do not ignore the same. GERD requires the expert intervention of a qualified gastroenterologist or gastrointestinal specialist. Consult a reputed hospital. Specialists, there will diagnose your condition precisely and design the best course of treatment for long-term recovery and rehabilitation.
Reviewed by Dr Suresh S Venkita, Group Medical Director, Kauvery Hospitals
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
Updated on 14 th Nov 2022