GERD is often felt with several other symptoms or illnesses, such as nausea, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). GERD is also associated with habits and lifestyle, such as alcohol consumption and diet. In addition, GERD can also interact with certain conditions such as anxiety and pregnancy. This article will also discuss GERD in infants and its complications of GERD.
- GERD and Nausea
It is important to note that there is a very distinct difference between occasional nausea (which may not require medical intervention) and GERD. Many people experience nausea from time to time and generally, this occasional feeling of nausea is nothing to worry about. However, if you experience heartburn more than twice a week, especially if it's accompanied by a chronic cough and chest pain, you may have GERD.
- GERD and Asthma
Asthma and GERD often occur together. Although more research is needed to understand the relationship between asthma and GERD, GERD may worsen asthma symptoms. In addition, some asthma medications can also increase the risk of developing GERD, so it's important to manage both conditions.
- GERD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that can affect the colon, with common symptoms including:
- Stomachache
- Bloated stomach
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
GERD-related symptoms are more common in people with IBS than in the general population. Therefore, please consult your condition with a doctor!
- GERD and Alcohol
Alcohol consumption and the occurrence of GERD have been linked in many studies, so it can be concluded that the more alcohol you drink, the better your chances of developing GERD.
However, the relationship between the two is not clear: does alcohol directly affect the reflex muscle bands in the esophagus, so that they can no longer close and therefore leak fluid and stomach contents out, or do people who drink a lot of alcohol have other behaviors? What is clear is that limiting alcohol consumption, or even stopping it, can relieve GERD symptoms.
- GERD and Diet
Some people who have been diagnosed with GERD find that certain foods and drinks can trigger GERD symptoms. While the triggers can be very personal, some foods are widely believed to trigger GERD symptoms, such as:
- High-fat foods (such as fried foods and fast foods)
- Citrus fruits and juice
- Tomato and tomato sauce
- Onion
- Mint leaves
- Coffee
- Soft drink
- GERD and Anxiety
Anxiety and nausea are assumed to be related, so if anxiety increases, it will make you nauseous. It's also possible that people with GERD will feel more anxious because living with the condition makes you nauseous in circumstances that may be unexpected. Don't hesitate to see a doctor if your anxiety worsens your GERD symptoms, ladies.
- GERD and Pregnancy
Pregnancy can increase the risk of acid reflux. If a pregnant woman had GERD before pregnancy, her GERD symptoms may get worse. This is because hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the muscles in the esophagus to relax more often.
The growing fetus may also put pressure on the abdomen. This can increase the risk of stomach acid entering the esophagus. Many medications used to treat acid reflux can be safely taken during pregnancy, but in some cases, your doctor may recommend avoiding certain antacids.
- GERD in Babies
It is completely normal for a baby to vomit or vomit from the food that has been given to him. However, if the baby vomits too often or vomits food, there is a possibility that the baby has GERD. Signs and symptoms of GERD in infants include:
- Refusal to eat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Frequent choking
- Wet burps or hiccups
- Grumpy during or after eating
- Bend their backs during or after feeding
- Weight loss or slow growth
- Recurrent cough or pneumonia
- Sleep deprivations
If you suspect your baby has GERD or other health problems, please see a pediatrician!
- Possible Complications of GERD
In most people, GERD does not cause serious complications. However, in rare cases, GERD could cause serious or even life-threatening health problems. Possible complications of GERD include:
- Esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus
- The esophageal narrowing is a condition in which the esophagus narrows or tightens
- Barrett's esophagus, a condition in which there are permanent changes in the layers of the esophagus
- Esophageal cancer
- Erosion of tooth enamel, gum disease, or other dental problems
To reduce the chance of complications, it is important to take steps to manage and treat GERD symptoms.
By discussing the correlation between GERD and other symptoms or diseases, habits, and lifestyle, certain conditions such as anxiety and pregnancy, as well as GERD in infants and complications due to GERD, we can hopefully be more aware of this disease, ladies. Find other information about various diseases and other health only on Newfemme!
Source :
DiGiacinto, J. & Soliman, Y. (2021). Everything You Need to Know About Acid Reflux and GERD. Healthline. [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd