What is GERD?

[CeeCeeCee]

Is GERD the same as acid reflux? I ask because I am getting worried about the pain in my chest and throat, also my neck hurts. I am tense so I know that doesn't help anything but this has gone on for a few weeks now. Can reflux really make you feel such burning and soreness from your chest through to your back and up to your throat? I've been great for so long now but this has got be scared again. Just need some reassurance and to hear of any similar experiences. Hoping for a response soon.

[ServerError]

Acid reflux is the name for the act of acid rising from the stomach into the oesophagus and sometimes throat and mouth. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the medical term for the underlying disease that causes it, which is usually overproduction of stomach acid and the structural failure of the valve between the oesophagus and the stomach.

[CeeCeeCee]

Thanks you, have you had it before and had those symptoms?

[ServerError]

I have it pretty brutally. I'm mentioning it to the doctor today, as it happens. I'm bored of it now.

[CeeCeeCee]

IT's sort of like a cold/cough but with burning too. I keep thinking it's something bad, I haven't been diagnosed so just wondered if it was GERD. What did the doctor say?

[ServerError]

The doctor gave me Omeprizole and also wants a stool sample. I'm currently reading the baffling instructions as to how to provide one. Should be fun!

From the paperwork, it looks like he's checking for H. Pylori.

[CeeCeeCee]

I see, well I take an Actimel each day and think it has helped balance my tummy. I'm a bit scared to go to docs though.

[ServerError]

Acid reflux is very treatable, so go and have a word with your doctor. There's nothing to worry about and it won't be anything more serious than that.

[CeeCeeCee]

Thank you Server, my HA is kicking in though and I hate that I've been so good for so long and back to this. Gaviscon any good for it, or yogurt?

[Fishmanpa]

Thank you Server, my HA is kicking in though and I hate that I've been so good for so long and back to this. Gaviscon any good for it, or yogurt?

Gaviscon or Mylanta... the wife and I have reflux and that's what we use for any breakthrough. Also... look into the FODMAP (http://www.ibsdiets.org/fodmap-diet/fodmap-food-list/) diet. Again, it's really helps us.

Positive thoughts

[CeeCeeCee]

Thanks Fishman, I have Gaviscon, not seen Mylanta here though.

Have looked at Fodmap before, it seems quite good and fairly obvious I suppose. There are a few things listed that I always thought were ok for me to eat, as in they didn't make me ill, but they are listed on there. I suppose you have to take your own list from it after trial and error?

[Fishmanpa]

Thanks Fishman, I have Gaviscon, not seen Mylanta here though.

Have looked at Fodmap before, it seems quite good and fairly obvious I suppose. There are a few things listed that I always thought were ok for me to eat, as in they didn't make me ill, but they are listed on there. I suppose you have to take your own list from it after trial and error?

Exactly. We kept a food log of what and when we ate and modified things as we went along.

Positive thoughts

[CeeCeeCee]

Thanks, Fishman, positive helpful advice, as ever :-)