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Immense discomfort is experienced by people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD. In simple terms, this medical condition is one where burning acid is regurgitated from the stomach, damaging the esophagus. Esophagal tissue is delicate and easily irritated by the stomach acid to which it is being regularly subjected.

SYMPTOMS

- Heartburn: a sensation of burning in the back of the throat, or in the chest, behind the sternum [breastbone].
- Difficulties with swallowing [dysphagia] as the esophagus becomes inflamed and sore.
- Dry cough
-Hoarseness and changes in the voice.
- Persistent earache
- Nausea

Note that infantile GERD may present different symptoms than adults. Parents may see such behavior as refusal of food, persistent vomiting, inconsolable crying or coughing. Babies may not achieve satisfactory weight gain. However, as the digestive system matures, infantile GERD may be outgrown, usually after the child's first year.

CAUSES OF GERD
The exact reason why some people suffer from GERD is unclear. However, certain factors put individuals at high risk of developing the disease.

- Obesity: this condition contributes to many health problems; GERD may be one of them.
- Smoking: a number of health problems are promoted by smoking and GERD may be aggravated by it
- Pregnancy: GERD may occur during pregnancy when the uterus causes pressure on the stomach. Normally GERD will disappear following delivery.
-Hiatus hernia: while not exactly a cause, the presence of a hiatus hernia increases the likelihood of GERD occurring. It can affect persons of any age, often producing no symptoms.

TREATMENTS

1 CHANGE TO LIFESTYLE
The first approach to gastroesophageal reflux disease will normally be a non-drug treatment. Often, the level of discomfort can be diminished appreciably by simple life changes:

- Introduce a fat-reduced diet. Significant reduction in fat intake can be achieved if the GERD sufferer avoids take-out food and ready-made meals.
- More frequent meals should be eaten, but with small amounts of food. Avoid missing meals as this could result in excessive hunger and subsequent over-eating.
- Consciously avoid foods and drinks known to worsen symptoms. Some common foods are acknowledged to aggravate acid reflux. Spicy foods, tomato-based dishes and citrus fruit juices are recognized irritants, as are fried foods and chocolate. Eliminate caffeine.
- Reduce alcohol consumption. If this is a problem, your physician can tell you where to get

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