The beginning of the digestive system consists of the stomach and the esophagus, the long narrow tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Acid reflux disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic digestive condition.
Physiology
When you swallow food, it travels through the esophagus and passes through a valve called the lower gastroesophageal sphincter into the stomach. After the food passes through this sphincter, the sphincter closes. In those with gastroesophageal reflux disease, the sphincter either does not close completely or the mechanism of the sphincter is weak. This allows food, stomach acid and other stomach contents to travel backwards from the stomach and into the esophagus. The reflux of the food and stomach contents causes the symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
There are a variety of conditions that can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to malfunction. One of the most common of these conditions is obesity. Pregnancy, smoking, asthma and diabetes can also lead to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease. A hiatal hernia, which occurs when a portion of the stomach extends through the diaphragm, can also cause the condition.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease is a burning sensation in the chest and the throat. The burning is caused by the harshness of the stomach acid. The stomach acid may also cause a sour taste in the mouth, according to MayoClinic.com. Other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include chest pain, difficulty swallowing, dry cough, sore throat, a hoarse voice and the feeling of a lump in the throat. Some people experience nausea after eating as well.
Treatment
Common treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease include over-the-counter medications that can neutralize stomach acid or stop the production of excess stomach acid. If over-the-counter medications cannot successfully stop symptoms, prescription strength medications may be available through your doctor. In severe cases, surgery may be used to repair the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent it from allowing stomach contents back up into the esophagus.
Importance of a Nutritionist
Excess pounds can put pressure on your abdomen, which pushes on your stomach. This pressure on the stomach can cause the acid and other stomach contents to reflux back into the esophagus. If you are overweight, losing weight can help reduce the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. A healthy weight loss goal is around 1 to 2 pounds per week, according to MayoClinic.com. A nutritionist can help you devise a meal plan strategy that will lead to healthy weight loss. A nutritionist can also help you keep a food diary to identify specific foods that might be exacerbating your symptoms. Identifying trigger foods can help you determine which foods should be eliminated from your diet.
