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What Causes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

Posted on Mon, 5 Dec 2016

Question: I wrote in and had questions answered regarding a flare up of gerd. I saw my physicon 4 days ago, he prescribed prescription strength zantac to be taken at bedtime for 1 mo. He ran blood work which came back great, although cholesterol was borderline high. I am on a weekend getaway, and am feeling up and down. Had wine and chocolate last night- night time was fine. BUT after breakfast today, feeling a lot of indigestion. (Quiche and fresh fruit.)Thought I could eat anything while on these meds. I guess not. unsure what to do, fairly uncomfortable now. Supposed to go out to dinner tonite. I'M afraid to eat or drink anything.

Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly read detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
hi.
thanks for posting query at HCM.

you maybe familiar with the common mechanism of GERD ; however i will briefly explain:

food enters in to stomach from esophagus via lower esophageal sphincter (LES) . If XXXXXXX fails to close/contract effectively food content from stomach may reflux into the esphagus leading to GERD.

certain food may lead to relaxation of XXXXXXX and/or increase gastric acid production. :
1. chocolate 2. caffeine. 3 Alcohol. 4. fatty meal. 5. citrus fruit esp oranges

advise:
- continue medication prescribed by your treating physician
- avoid food that may precipitate existing GERD ( mentioned abv)
- include plain yogurt in your meals
- do not eat stomach full
- do NOT eat anything 2 to 3 hours before going to sleep atnight
- raise your head by placing two pillows under yiur head when you go to sleep atnight

hope to answer your concern
wishing you good and sound health

regards
dr Tayyab Malik

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Tayyab Malik (3 hours later)

So, guess I am not quite sure why this gerd thing is lasting so long, especially in light of being on prilosec immediately prior to this prescription zantac. I know I'm not following a diet, but didn't think I needed to on meds. One doc said I could have alcohol in moderation. Maybe I'm worrying too much-- I do have a hx of ca (8 years cancer free of stage 1 ovarian ca.)

Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly read detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
hi...
thanks for getting back to me.

as per now, you should not worry much.
it might take few weeks for complete resolution of current symptoms. if the symptoms persist after 6 weeks ( beginning from your visit to doctor 4 days ago), then further evaluation maybe advised.

2. as said, prevention is better than cure. so i would advice to avoid precipitating factors for GERD as mentioned in previous reply.

3. Alcohol in moderation maybe not harmful ,provided moderate intake is strictly maintained. however, avoiding completely for atleast couple to few weeks is encouraged

4. stage 1 ovarian cancer that has been completely cured is NOT associated with any cancer of esophagus. your current presentation is NOT an indication for cancer. no worries

hope to answer all your concers
wish you speedy recovery along with good n sound health thereafter.

regards
Dr Tayyab Malik

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar