GERD explained as extreme acid reflux makes patients burp, sweat and increases cancer risk
29.10.2022 - 17:41
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Most people experience some form of acid reflux at one point in their lives. It is often caused by food and drink – such as coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate and fatty or spicy foods, according to the NHS.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease - also known as GERD - is a serious form of acid reflux. It is a common condition, where acid from the stomach leaks up into the oesophagus.
As reported by the Mirror, long-term acid reflux could lead to Barrett's oesophagus - in which a person's oesophagus becomes damaged. This could continue to develop into oesophageal cancer over time, putting those with GERD at an increased risk.
In some cases the condition is called Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and symptoms, according to Scotland's NHS Inform, can include:
Foods notorious for increasing acid reflux and heartburn include fried and fast food, pizza, chips, fatty meats and cheese. Kevin Fowlie, 42, suffered from acid reflux for 10 painful years. He spoke with the Mirror to discuss his symptoms as well as the treatment that Kevin says has helped him recover.
“For the last 10 years, I have had acid reflux,” Kevin explained. “My symptoms would include a sore throat, heartburn, constantly feeling congested, lethargic, burping and excessive wind.
“Sometimes, I’d sweat excessively at night and occasionally woke up choking due to reflux. It got to the point where I’d been given many conceivable proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) medication that the GP could prescribe.”
He added that despite being apprehensive about the PPIs and their possible side effects, he was on the medication for the whole 10 years.
“I approached my doctor and asked to be referred to a good gastroenterologist privately. I was diagnosed with GERD and hiatus