GERD

Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest or throat, often after eating or at night.
Regurgitation: The feeling of sour or bitter-tasting fluid backing up into the throat or mouth.
Difficulty swallowing: Also known as dysphagia, it can feel like there’s a lump in the throat.
Chest pain: This can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack.

If left untreated or poorly managed, GERD can lead to several complications:

Esophagitis: The persistent exposure of the esophageal lining to stomach acid can cause inflammation and irritation, a condition known as esophagitis.
Barrett’s Esophagus: Long-term acid exposure can lead to changes in the cells lining the lower esophagus, a condition called Barrett’s esophagus. This condition is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
Respiratory Symptoms: Stomach acid and digestive juices that flow back into the throat can cause coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory issues.
Esophageal Stricture: Chronic inflammation from GERD can lead to the development of scar tissue, causing narrowing of the esophagus and making swallowing difficult.

Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle modifications may include avoiding trigger foods (like spicy or acidic foods), eating smaller meals, not lying down immediately after eating, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Medications: Medications include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that help reduce stomach acid production.
Surgery: In some cases where medications and lifestyle changes do not provide adequate relief, surgical options such as fundoplication (wrapping the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus) may be considered.