GERD, or Gastroesophageal reflux disease, is considered a digestive disorder that impacts the muscle ring between the stomach and esophagus. It is known as the lower esophagus sphincter. People who have this condition can often witness acid indigestion and heartburn. At times, doctors think that some patients have because of a condition known as hiatal hernia. In most situations, you can ease the symptoms of GERD through lifestyle changes and diet. However, at times there might be a need for medications.
What causes GERD?
The term “gastroesophageal” indicates the esophagus and the stomach. The term reflux indicates return or flow back. Hence, when there is gastroesophageal reflux, the stomach’s content backs up to the esophagus. The lower esophagus sphincter opens when normal digestion occurs to enable food inside the stomach. After that, it closes to halt food and acidic stomach juices to the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux takes place when the lower esophagus sphincter gets weak or starts to relax when it should not. And this makes the contents of the stomach flow up your esophagus.
The role of Dexilant in treating GERD
Often doctors prescribe Dexilant treat the heartburn caused by GERD and heal up erosive esophagitis, which is the damage in the esophagus from the stomach acid. You must follow all the labels and medication guidelines to use this medication. And you should consume this medicine as your doctor suggests you.
You can take this medication with a glass of water and can also take it without or with food. Make sure that you swallow the tablet and don’t break, chew or crush it. If you find it hard to swallow the medicine, you can sprinkle it in a spoon of applesauce. And make sure not to keep it for later use.
Patients who have erosive esophagitis and want to relieve the heartburn must use Dexilant for about six months. If the condition affects a child between the age group 12 and 17, they should take Dexilant for 4 to 16 weeks. It would help if you kept using the medicine, even when your symptoms have improved to a great extent. Stop the medication only when the doctor asks you to. You can know about Dexilant 60mg costfrom online sources.
A few lifestyles changes
It is essential to manage GERD with a few lifestyle modifications as well. • It would help if you stopped lying down for about two hours after you have taken your meal or consuming any acidic beverages or tea and coffee. It will prevent the stomach content from moving to the esophagus. • Make sure that your head is elevated during your sleep. You can use added pillows to avert the reflux. • Make sure to consume small and frequent meals rather than big meals. It can help in better digestion and prevent heartburn. • Make sure to wear clothes with a loose-fit so that there is no pressure on the stomach, and that can ease the reflux.
Last but not least, it is essential to quit smoking. It’s because smoking can maximize stomach acid production and bring down the lower oesophageal function, and can worsen your GERD symptoms. Hence, once you take the correct medication and follow these lifestyle changes, you can manage GERD well.
Nicole Ann Pore is a writer, an events host and a voice over artist. Travel, health, shopping, lifestyle and business are among the many subjects she writes about. Through quality and well-researched writing, she informs and even entertains readers about things that matter. She is also interested in film critiquing and filmmaking. Giving all the glory to God, Nicole graduated Cum Laude from De La Salle University Manila, Philippines with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts.
