GERD and Gastritis: The Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Have you ever felt nausea, sore throat, often burping, out of breath, or pain in the chest? Maybe it's a sign you have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. Yup, it is not comfortable at all. Millions of people suffer from this disease, and it can make your daily activities very difficult. Treatments for GERD usually involve lifestyle changes and medications. What are the causes, symptoms, and treatments for GERD? And how about gastritis? What are the differences between gastritis and GERD? Let's take a look!
What is GERD?
Allergic photo created by Lifestylememory - Freepik Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a condition when the acid from your stomach backs up into the esophagus. This can cause heartburn and other symptoms. GERD is a very common problem, it usually affects 1 in 5 people. GERD can be caused when something happens with the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). LES is a ring-shaped muscle that becomes a separation between the stomach and the esophagus.
Normally, the LES relaxes to let food pass into the stomach and then tightens again to keep acid and bile from flowing back up into the esophagus. If the LES doesn't close tightly, stomach acid and bile can flow back up into the esophagus. This causes inflammation and heartburn. GERD is treated with medication and lifestyle changes. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
What is Gastritis?
Brunette photo created by benzoix - Freepik Now, we will explain what gastritis is. Gastritis is an inflammation at the stomach lining. The most common symptom of gastritis is pain or burning in the stomach area. Also, other symptoms of gastritis can include vomiting, loss of appetite, and nausea. Gastritis can be caused by a number of things, including infection, overuse of alcohol, or use of certain medications. Treatment for gastritis depends on the cause. You can use antibiotics if bacterial infection is the cause. If the cause is medication-related, the medication may need to be stopped. In most cases, however, gastritis resolves on its own within a few weeks.
GERD and Gastritis Causes
Hiatal hernia is one of the causes of GERD. A hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm and into the chest. This can allow stomach acid to move up into the esophagus and cause GERD symptoms. Another possible cause of GERD is obesity. People who are obese are more likely to have reflux than those who are not obese. This may be because extra weight puts pressure on the stomach, causing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. A third possible cause of GERD is smoking. Cigarette smoke can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, making it more likely that stomach acid will flow back up into the esophagus.
GERD from anxiety is a common problem that can be treated. Anxiety is one of the most common causes of GERD. It can be caused by many things, such as stress at work or school, money problems, health concerns, or family issues. When someone is anxious, the body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can cause the muscles in the stomach to tighten up, which leads to GERD symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux.
Elegant man photo created by ASphotofamily - Freepik For gastritis, there's not only one specific cause of this disease. Rather, there are many different things that can cause the inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining. Some common causes include: Helicobacter pylori bacteria, use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), eating foods high in fat, alcohol abuse, and smoking. Additionally, stress and diet can also play a role in developing gastritis. For example, eating spicy or acidic foods can aggravate the stomach lining and lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Helicobacter pylori bacteria is responsible for many cases of gastritis and peptic ulcers. It is a common bacterium that can be found in undercooked food and unclean water. H. pylori is transmitted through contact with contaminated objects or food, or through close contact with an infected person. This bacterium can also be passed from mother to child during birth. Symptoms of H. pylori infection include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, H. pylori can cause bleeding and perforation of the stomach or intestines. Treatment for H. pylori infection usually involves antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications.
Alcohol abuse can cause gastritis in a few ways. First, it can irritate the stomach lining. Second, it can interfere with the absorption of food and nutrients in the stomach. Third, it can increase the production of stomach acid. All of these effects can lead to inflammation and damage to the stomach lining. If left untreated, gastritis from alcohol can lead to more serious problems, such as ulcers and even cancer.
In some cases, gastritis may be due to age-related changes in the stomach lining. As people get older, the stomach lining may become thinner and less able to protect against stomach acid. This can lead to inflammation and pain. Another most common cause of gastritis is stress. Your body will release a cortisol hormone when you're stressed. This hormone can cause the stomach to produce more acid, which can lead to gastritis. Additionally, stress can cause people to eat unhealthy foods or drink alcohol, both of which can also lead to gastritis.
GERD and Gastritis Symptoms
Gastritis vector created by macrovector - Freepik GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is a condition that is caused by the improper flow of gastric acid from the stomach to the esophagus. What is GERD symptoms? GERD symptoms can include heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation (the act of bringing swallowed food up again to the mouth). Many people with GERD also experience chest pain and a sour taste in their mouth. While the cause of GERD is not always known, it can be aggravated by lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise, as well as medical conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Meanwhile, one of the most common gastritis symptoms is a burning sensation in your stomach. This sensation can be felt anywhere from your upper stomach to your chest. Another common symptom is nausea. You may feel like you want to vomit, or that you have an upset stomach. Some people also have a loss of appetite, and experience weight loss as a result. Other symptoms include bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Acute gastritis is a condition in which the lining of the stomach becomes severely inflamed. This can lead to very bad abdominal pain. In some cases, acute gastritis can be so severe that it requires hospitalization. Left untreated, acute gastritis can lead to more serious health problems such as stomach ulcers and even cancer.
GERD and Gastritis Treatments
Sport drink photo created by jcomp - Freepik Most people with GERD can manage their symptoms by making changes to their diet and lifestyles. For example, avoiding acidic and spicy foods, drinking plenty of fluids, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. Treatments for GERD may include medications like antacids (neutralizing the stomach acid that causes heartburn), Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), or surgery may also be an option for people with severe GERD who don't respond to other treatments. These are how GERD is treated. Then, how to cure GERD permanently? GERD can often be cured permanently through surgery. There are several different types of surgery that can be performed, so it's important to discuss the best option with your doctor.
There are many treatments of gastritis, some work better than others. How well a treatment works depends on the cause of the gastritis. You can use antibiotics, if bacterial infection is the cause. If the cause is a virus, antiviral medications may be prescribed. If the cause is unknown or cannot be determined, medications that help to protect the stomach lining may be prescribed. Treatments that help to reduce stomach acid such as H2 blockers or Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) may also be prescribed. H2 blockers will obstruct the production of acid in your stomach. This helps to reduce heartburn and other gastrointestinal issues. Surgery is rarely needed to treat gastritis. Treatment for gastritis typically involves lifestyle modifications such as eating less spicy food, also avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
Check out our spicy food recipes: Red Chili Chicken, Balado Chicken, Spicy Stir-fry Beef, and Spicy Beans and Shrimp.
GERD vs Gastritis
Choice photo created by wayhomestudio - Freepik GERD and gastritis are two common digestive conditions that can cause a variety of symptoms. While the two conditions share some common symptoms, there are key differences between them.
With GERD, stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, leading to heartburn and other symptoms. Gastritis is a condition when your stomach lining becomes inflamed. This can lead to a variety of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
GERD is typically treated with medications that reduce stomach acid production, while gastritis is often treated with medications that help reduce inflammation. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat GERD, while gastritis usually resolves without treatment.
In conclusion, a balanced diet and lifestyle are important to avoid developing GERD or gastritis. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating regular meals, and avoiding high-fat and acidic foods are all key to preventing these diseases. Don't forget to enjoy your life, like spending time with family and friends. If you are experiencing symptoms like heartburn, stomach pain, or nausea, be sure to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment!