by Brandon Seal

Created on: October 30, 2010

               Gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD is a common digestive disease where the stomach produces too much acid. That is the simplest way to put it although the symptoms and effects of GERD are not nearly as simple. The digestive disease causes many unseen effects as well as a set of noticeable onesincluding burping, acid indigestion, and gas pains.

 While on the inside your body can be fighting a different war. GERD is linked to ulcers, tooth decay, and esophageal damage after time. The worst effect of the disease is the factor that GERD is known to cause pancreatic cancer over a long period of time.            

             While these are the signs and symptoms of a disease born in the 20th century there are many ideas on what triggers the disease.  One of the most common ideas is that it is caused by preservatives in frozen food. Another thought on the subject is that the digestive disease is hereditary passed on from mother to son father to daughter Et cetera.  Certain types of foods and drink as well tomatoes, peppers and alcohols are some of the worst things for a person with this disease to ingest.               

               I have this digestive problem although I didn’t develop it until I was in my twenties.  Many people do develop GERD later in life. There are many possible things a person can do to improve their health while struggling with this disease.  One is to take over the counter medicine known as antacids. This can help relieves symptoms for short periods of time but often doesn’t work well. Another possibility is to change your diet and watch out for things that contribute to your symptoms. The best answer is to make a doctor’s appointment and talk to you doctor. It is very likely that he/she can prescribe one of various GERD treatments. You will have to take the medicine the rest of your life but it will keep your symptoms under control. Many GERD medicines also help your body heal from the damage caused to your digestive track.            

                This may seem like a mild disease but it can spiral out of control with years of being untreated. This disease can become a real hindrance and shouldn’t be taken lightly.  The best advice I can give from one GERD suffer to another is to go see your doctor early on and learn about what treatments that can be made available to you.  I hope this information will be helpful for anyone interested in learning more about Gastro esophageal reflux disease.  

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