Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic and debilitating condition characterized by the retrograde flow of gastric content into the esophagus resulting in symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia. Affecting approximately 20% of the global population, GERD has a significant impact on quality of life. Dietary and lifestyle choices may contribute to certain foods and beverages that can trigger reflux and heartburn. So due to the sedentary lifestyle, it can easily get a cause. So managing our life by adding a healthy lifestyle can be managed very easily. In this article, we will discuss a comprehensive review of the cause, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment options according to modern and Ayurvedic aspects.

Introduction

GERD is mainly a clinical diagnosis based on typical symptoms of heartburn and acid regurgitation. A  chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. In this condition, the amount of free HCl present in the stomach increases. If the total acidity is high then it is called Gastric. Increasing free HCL causes inflammation in the stomach and causes indigestion  Free HCL is produced in large amounts in the stomach of the acidic patient.

Causes

The exact cause of GERD is unknown but there are some risk factors that can increase the  risk of developing it

1. Weakened Lower esophageal sphincter: Age, Pregnancy, Being overweight, Injury in the upper chest
2. Lifestyle habits: Overeating, eating beyond fullness, eating too much spicy food, caffeinated drinks.

Signs & Symptoms

1. Heartburn
2. Nausea
3. Pain in epigastrium
4. Vomiting
5. Anorexia
6. Regurgitation
7. Dysphagia
8. Chest Pain
9. Dental erosion

Innvestigation

1. Upper GI Endoscopy
2. Ambulatory Acid Probe Test
3. Esophageal Manometry
4. Barium Swallow
5. pH monitoring

Complication

1.  Ulcers
2.  Stricture
3.  Barretts esophagus
4.  Cough and asthma
5.  Inflammation in the throat and larynx
6.  Fluids in the sinus and middle ear
7.  Esophageal cancer

Treatment

1. Antacid
2. Histamine-2 (H20 Blocker)
3. Proton pump Inhibitor (PPIs)
4. Prokinetics
5. Laparoscopic Fundoplication

Ayurvedic Aspect

In Ayurveda, GERD is known as Amlapitta. It is considered a disorder of the digestive system caused by an imbalance of three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). The disease in which the food becomes acidic after reaching the stomach due to the burning of bile is called acid bile unhealthy food habits and regimens that derange the gastric fire in the body.

Nidan(CAUSES)

1. Ati amla, ushn pdarth sevan (Consumption of excessive acid and hot substance
2. Madira sevan (Excessive consumption of alcohol)
3. Anoopdesh (Residence in Humid, Marshy land)
4. Pitta parkopak aahar (Biliary irritant food)

Lakshan (SYMPTOMS)

1. Avipaak (Indigestion)
2. Kalm (Tiredness without exertion)
3. Utkalesh (Nausea)
4. Aruchi (Anorexia)
5. Tamoudgar (Acid eructation)

Treatment According to Ayurveda

1. The treatment for GERD first to avoid hot, sharp expectorant, constipation, and bile-increasing food should be avoided
2. In the corrective therapy of acidity, emetic should be done in case of upper acidity due to contact with phlegm, and purgation should be done in case of lower acidity.
3.  For vomiting, mix Patel leaf or lemon leaf decoction with Madan fruit and honey. Then the Nishoth powder should be used with tamarind juice and honey for laxatives
4. In the case of fresh acidity sufficient purification is done by emesis purgation, but in the case of chronic acidity after emetic purgation as per the scriptures, it is prescribed to be given Asthapana and Anuvasana Basti.

Medicines

1. Sutshekhar Rasa
2. Leela Vilas Ras
3. Kamdudha Ras
4. Avipattikar churna
5. Mulethi churna
6. Panchatikta Kwath
7. Patoladi Kwath
8. Vasa Ghrita

Home Remedies

1.  Take half a teaspoon of fennel seeds, Coriander seeds, and Cumin seeds, with 3 glasses of water and then boil the water on an empty stomach.
2. Drink Coconut water
3. Cardamom water
4. Ginger water
5. Chew Aniseeds (Valaiti sauf)

Herbal Remedies By Planet Ayurveda For GerdD

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified company that provides high-quality organic herbs with standardized extract ensuring consistent potency and efficiency and their medicines are made from natural nontoxic ingredients which may reduce the risk of adverse effects. So there are many medicines for GERD but we Use the Acidity Care Pack.

Acidity Care Pack

1. Amalaki Rasayan
2. Digestion Support
3. Heartburn Capsule
4. Mahashankh vati

1. Amalaki Rasayan

Amlaki Rasayan is a capsule formulation formed by the Standardized herb of Amla(Emblica officinalis) As the name suggests Amalaki is the richest source of vitamin C, antioxidant properties, and contains minerals in it. It is a tri dosha shamak herb that enhances vitality, boosts immunity and promotes well-being. It mainly helps in chronic constipation and also helps to balance the stomach acid level and reduce the frequency of heartburn.

Dosage: one capsule twice daily with warm water after a meal.

2. Digestion support

Digestion Support is capsule formation and It is formed by Amla( Emblica officinalis ), Dhania( Corandrum sativum ), Haritiki ( Terminalia chebula ), Bahre (Terminalia belerica ), Souf( Foeniculum vulgare), Jeerak (Cyminum cuminum ), Pippali ( Piper longum ) all these herbs provide nutrient which removes heat from the body and provide cooling effects. These herbs are very effective in reducing indigestion, flatulence, heartburn, and also in constipation

Dosage: one capsule twice daily with warm water after a meal.

3. Heartburn capsule

Heartburn is a capsule formation and It is formed by Praval pishti ( Coral calcium), Akik pishti ( Agate calcium ), Jahar mohar pishti (calcium compound ), Kamdudha ras (calcium compound ), Mukta pishti ( pearl calcium ) and Giloy satva ( Tinospora cordifolia )  all these herbs help to balance the vitiated Pitta and also helps to neutrilize the excessive acid in the stomach it reduces constipation, bloating and helps to improve the weak digestion.

Dosage: one capsuMahashankh vale twice daily with warm water after meal.

4. Mahashankh Vati

Mahashankh vati is a tablet formation and It is formed by Shunti( Zinger officinalis), Pippali (Piper longum ), Shankha bhasma( Ostrea edulis ), Tamarind bark (Tamarindus indicus ), Shudha vatsnabha (Aconitum ferox ), rock salt( halite ), black salt ( Sodium chloride ), sea salt (Meri salis) All these herbs help to clear the obstruction in intestinal activity, facilitate the better absorption and enhance the nutrients, and also help to promote strength in the body.

Dosage: one tablet twice a day 10 minutes before a meal with warm water.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed GERD and how it can cause their clinical features, symptoms diagnosis, and how to treat the disease. Acidity is a common condition, but it can be managed with the right lifestyle changes and remedies. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to heartburn management by balancing the body’s doshas and improving digestion. Ayurvedic herbs, dietary changes, and stress-reducing practices like yoga can help to reduce the symptoms of heartburn naturally. With the right approach, you can keep heartburn under control and live a healthier life.