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GERD
(Gastro-esophageal reflux disease)
by Dr. Rajesh Shah
Definition:
It is a condition where the acidic contents of the stomach
flow backwards and enter in the food pipe (esophagus). The
acid can cause burning and erosion of the lining of
esophagus. It is the most common cause of indigestion
affecting up to 30% of individuals.
Common symptoms include heartburn, waterbrash, difficulty in
swallowing, chest pain often provoked by bending, straining,
or lying down.
Remarks:
Under normal circumstances a muscular door is present
between the two organs i.e. stomach and esophagus (food
pipe). This door closes as soon as food pipe empties itself
in the stomach. Thus food once entered in the stomach cannot
go back.
The condition of GERD results because of weakening of the
muscle guard at the junction of two organs. Some genetic and
inherited factors may be at the root of this weakening of
these muscles and make one prone to the disease. Moreover
modern life style, stress, and food can aggravate the
symptoms. To sum up GERD is constitutional disorder that
expresses itself locally at the level of esophagus and
stomach. Hence it calls for a constitutional approach
towards its management.
Homoeopathic approach towards the management of GERD is
constitutional and involves evaluation of the presenting
complaint along with mental, physical, and genetic make-up
of a person that individualizes a person. Homoeopathy
believes in treating the patient who is diseased and not
merely diseased parts of the patients. This holistic
approach goes in a long way in the management of various
chronic and deep-seated diseases, including GERD.
Suggestion about homeopathic
treatment: Homoeopathy along with some dietary
and life-style modifications is strongly recommended for
complaints of GERD. |
