Stomach acid disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a burning feeling in the chest as a result of stomach acid rising into the esophagus. Symptom stomach acid disease appears at least 2 times a week.
Acid reflux or acid reflux disease can be experienced by both adults and children. Symptoms of this disease are often suspected as a heart attack or coronary heart disease, because the symptoms are almost similar to chest pain. Although not as deadly as a heart attack, stomach acid disease needs to be treated so it doesn't cause complications.
Symptoms of Stomach Acid Disease
The main symptom of acid reflux is a burning feeling in the chest (heartburn), which gets worse after eating or lying down. These symptoms can be accompanied by complaints of other digestive disorders, such as frequent belching, nausea and vomiting, as well as ulcers and shortness of breath. Stomach acid disease can also cause complaints of a sour taste in the mouth.
Causes of Stomach Acid Disease
Stomach acid backs up into the esophagus (gastric acid reflux) occurs when the lower esophagus muscle (LES muscle) weakens. The LES muscle is supposed to contract and close the passage to the esophagus after food has descended into the stomach. When this muscle is weak, the esophagus will remain open and stomach acid will back up into the esophagus.
This condition is more at risk for the elderly (elderly), people with obesity, smokers, people who often lie down or sleep after eating, and pregnant women.
Gastric Acid Disease Diagnosis
Complaint heartburn in patients with gastric acid will be felt at least 2 times a week. If the patient comes with this complaint, the doctor will perform a physical examination and a series of supporting tests. Examinations that can be carried out by doctors are gastroscopy, X-rays, examination of the pH of the esophagus, as well as a test of the strength of the esophageal muscle (manometry).
Gastric Acid Disease Treatment
GERD can be overcome by changing everyday behaviors, such as losing weight, not lying down immediately after eating, and quitting smoking. Some herbal plants, such as ginger, are also claimed to be useful for treating stomach acid disease.
Gastroenterologists can also give medicines to treat acid reflux disease and relieve ulcers caused by stomach acid. The drugs given are drugs that can neutralize stomach acid, reduce gastric acid production, and drugs that accelerate gastric emptying. If this method has not been able to overcome stomach acid disease, surgery can be done.
Treatment for acid reflux is quite varied, ranging from lifestyle changes to surgical steps, which cost a lot of money. Therefore, having health insurance can be a practical solution to save the possible cost of treating the current condition, or later.
Complications of Stomach Acid Disease
Incomplete treatment of acid reflux disease can lead to complications in the form of inflammation of the esophagus or oesophagus. This inflammation can cause sores to scar tissue in the esophagus, making it difficult for the patient to swallow.
This condition can also trigger the occurrence of Barrett's esophagus, which is a disease that is at risk of causing esophageal cancer.