GERD - Conditions That Could Aggravate the Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a recurring digestive illness that occurs when the food or liquid in your stomach flows back into the esophagus which irritates the esophagus lining, resulting to heartburn and acid reflux. People suffering from GERD need more than just home remedies or over-the-counter medications as these only gives temporary relief. Instead, they may require taking stronger medications or even undergoing surgeries to reduce its symptoms. If left untreated, it may lead to serious complications such as esophageal ulcer, esophageal stricture and esophageal cancer. Moreover, if you are suffering from GERD, you must educate yourself further on health conditions that could worsen the disease. Here are the conditions that could aggravate Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

First, muscle function abnormality in the stomach slows down the digestion of food and stomach acid which delays the stomach from emptying its contents. This increases stomach pressure and increasing the chances of acid reflux to occur.

Second, medications can also aggravate the symptoms of GERD. Whether it is a prescription or over-the-counter drug, the chemicals therein are contraindicated to GERD symptoms. Therefore, be cautious in taking medication drugs and talk to your physician for sound advice.

Third, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease because they are usually associated to cause peptic ulcers and could contribute to the seriousness of GERD symptoms. In fact, research reveals that long-term use of NSAIDs increases their chances of developing symptoms of gastroesophageal disease. Aside from NSAIDs, other drugs can also worsen GERD condition such as antibiotics, sedatives, potassium, iron pills, bisphosphonates, anticholinergics, calcium channel-blockers and beta adrenergic agonists. Notably, these drugs are used in treating other health problems such as osteoporosis, lung diseases, asthma, Parkinson's disease, hypertension, angina, glaucoma and urinary disorders. Consult your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any symptoms of GERD.

Fourth, pregnancy hormones can also aggravate to the symptoms of GERD. This is because hormones affect LES (lower esophageal sphincter), the muscle fiber preventing the food from flowing back to the esophagus. During pregnancy, progesterone hormone usually increases and these loosen up the LES resulting to heartburn. Therefore, heartburn is normal during pregnancy.

Fifth, diabetes can also worsen GERD. Gastroparesis often develops among Type 1 diabetes sufferers. This condition develops in nearly 20% of diabetics due to delayed emptying of the stomach which increases stomach pressure causing reflux to happen.

Sixth, esophagus abnormalities also deteriorate gastroesophageal disease. These abnormalities are characterized by a recurring cough, throat inflammation and hoarseness. Study shows that abnormalities in the esophagus are unusual symptoms of GERD.

Remember that heartburn is the common sign of gastroesphageal disease. If this happens frequently, never ignore this by just simply taking over-the-counter medication. The best thing you should do is consult a physician and have him or her make further examination to figure out the underlying causes of recurring heartburn. If the physician finds out that you have a gastroesophageal reflux disease, the information above will surely help you avoid the conditions which could aggravate your symptoms of GERD. GERD is something you should not ignore as this may only add complications to a more serious health condition.