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Home + Health Topics with A + GERD
GERD
Your esophagus is the tube that takes food from your mouth
to your stomach. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
occurs when a muscle at the end of your esophagus does
not close correctly. This permits stomach contents to
leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus and annoy it.
You may feel a burning in the chest or throat known as
heartburn. At times, you can taste stomach fluid in the
back of the mouth. This is called acid indigestion. If
you have these symptoms more than two times a week, you
may have GERD.
Anybody, including infants and children, can have GERD.
If not treated, it can lead to further serious health
problems. In a few cases, you may need medicines or surgery.
Yet, many people can perk up their symptoms by
- Avoiding alcohol and spicy, fatty or acidic foods
that trigger heartburn
- Eating smaller meals
- Not eating close to bedtime
- Losing weight if needed
- Wearing loose-fitting clothes
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