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GERD
(Gastro-esophageal reflux disease)
by Dr. Rajesh Shah, M.D. 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. |
