Stomach discomfort in GERD: Studies, remedies, and additional insights
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that can lead to symptoms such as stomach pain. Other common symptoms of GERD besides heartburn and regurgitation include nausea, belching, and chest pain or tightness not related to the heart.
Some less common but still important symptoms to be aware of include sore throat, hoarseness, chronic cough, especially in the morning, difficulty swallowing or a sensation of a lump in the throat, wheezing or worsening of asthma symptoms, bad breath, dental erosions caused by acid exposure, laryngitis or voice changes, and a persistent feeling of a lump in the throat.
If you think you may have GERD, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional. Lifestyle changes and medications can help prevent GERD symptoms and complications. Doctors may recommend quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, changing eating habits, elevating the head during sleep, and taking antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
People with GERD may find it useful to keep a food journal to identify trigger foods. Eating meals at least 3 hours before lying down or going to bed can also help prevent GERD symptoms.
In some cases, surgery may be recommended for GERD. Surgeries used to treat GERD include fundoplication, gastric bypass surgery, and endoscopy. If lifestyle changes and medication are not effective, or if symptoms persist, a healthcare professional may suggest one of these procedures.
It's important to note that other conditions can also cause stomach pain. These can include acute cholecystitis, appendicitis, constipation, diverticulitis, ectopic pregnancy, food poisoning, gallstones, gastritis, indigestion, inflammatory bowel disease, injuries such as a pulled muscle in the abdomen, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney stones, period pain, stomach ulcers, trapped wind, urinary tract infection that keeps returning, and persistent vomiting.
If you experience severe pain or pain that does not go away, or if you have symptoms such as persistent vomiting, chest pain, pain when swallowing or difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, signs of bleeding in the digestive tract, including bloody vomit or stool, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Remember, if you're unsure about any symptoms you're experiencing, it's always best to speak with a healthcare professional. They can help you understand your symptoms, make a diagnosis, and recommend the best course of treatment.
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