Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) develops when there is a frequent backwash of the stomach acid into the esophagus.

Acid reflux or heartburn refers to the burning sensation felt behind the sternum (retrosternal burning) due to the backflow of stomach acid into the food pipe. 

Causes

GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux.

When you swallow, a circular band of muscle around the bottom of your esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into your stomach. Then the sphincter closes again.

If the sphincter relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus. This constant backwash of acid irritates the lining of your esophagus, often causing it to become inflamed.

Risk factors

Conditions that can increase your risk of GERD include:

• Obesity
• Bulging of the top of the stomach up into the diaphragm (hiatal hernia)
• Pregnancy
• Connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma
• Delayed stomach emptying

Factors that can aggravate acid reflux include:

• Smoking
• Eating large meals or eating late at night
• Eating certain foods (triggers) such as fatty or fried foods
• Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol or coffee
• Taking certain medications, such as aspirin

Complications

Over time, chronic inflammation in your esophagus can cause:

• Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture). Damage to the lower esophagus from stomach acid causes scar tissue to form. The scar tissue narrows the food pathway, leading to problems with swallowing.
• An open sore in the esophagus (esophageal ulcer). Stomach acid can wear away tissue in the esophagus, causing an open sore to form. An esophageal ulcer can bleed, cause pain and make swallowing difficult.
• Precancerous changes to the esophagus (Barrett’s esophagus). Damage from acid can cause changes in the tissue lining the lower esophagus. These changes are associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of GERD include:

• A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
• Sensation of a lump in your throat

If you have nighttime acid reflux, you might also experience:

• Chronic cough
• Laryngitis
• New or worsening asthma
• Disrupted sleep

When to see a doctor

Seek immediate medical care if you have chest pain, especially if you also have shortness of breath, or jaw or arm pain. These may be signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

The conventional treatment for GERD involves the use of antacids, which work by changing the pH of the stomach acid to make it less acidic. This helps decrease the irritation caused by the acid to the stomach, esophagus or the duodenum.

Use of antacids for an extended duration can cause side effects like gas, belching, constipation, diarrhea, and swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles. Antacids also interfere with nutrient absorption. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are used to reduce the production of stomach acid are known to deplete vitamin B12 in the body. This can further affect the nervous system, cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of vision.

The amount of antacids used, and the duration of their use can affect the electrolyte balance in the body. Any changes in the levels of different electrolytes (like calcium, potassium or sodium) can adversely affect the muscle and nerve function.
Further, aluminum-based antacids can weaken the bones by flushing out salts like phosphate and calcium.

Homeopathy for acid reflux and GERD helps treat the condition and manage the symptoms effectively.

The top three medicines for treating GERD, acid reflux, heartburn are Robinia, Iris Versicolor, and Natrum Phos.

Gerd if left untreated can lead to a more serious complication called Erosive esophagitis; which in turn can lead to ulceration, bleeding and narrowing of the food pipe.

1.Robinia – For Acid Reflux and GERD

Robinia is a top listed medicine for treating GERD. Robinia is prepared from a plant named ‘yellow locust.’ The natural order of this plant is Leguminosae. The key indication to use this medicine in GERD is intense heartburn, constant sour belching, and sour vomiting due to regurgitation of acid from the stomach. The symptoms of heartburn and acidity tend to get worse at night time, on lying down and can cause sleeplessness.

Key indications for using Robinia for GERD:

-Intense heartburn
– Sour belching and vomiting
– Heartburn and acidity worse at night

2. Iris Versicolor – For Sour, Bitter Belching

Iris Versicolor is a natural medicine for treating GERD. It is prepared from a plant commonly named ‘blue flag.’ The natural order of this plant is Iridaceae. Sour, bitter belching is the key feature to use this medicine. Vomiting of sour bitter fluid that burns the throat, vomiting with weakness, a smarting, burning sensation in the throat, and heartburn are the key symptoms. There may be burning distress and pains in the epigastric region (the part above the stomach) at frequent intervals. Constant nausea may be present with these symptoms.
There is excessive indigestion, and the food is vomited after an hour or so eating a meal. Iris Versicolor is also a well indicated medicine for a headache arising with acidity.

Key indications for using Iris Versicolor:

– Sour bitter belching
– Sour bitter vomiting
– Heartburn; burning in throat

3. Natrum Phos – For Heartburn and Difficulty Swallowing

Natrum Phos is another prominently indicated medicine for GERD treatment. It is useful when heartburn is attended with difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms include sour belching, waterbrash, and vomiting of sour fluid or cheesy, curdled masses. A lump sensation in the throat may also be present, along with a loss of appetite.

Key indications for using Natrum Phos for GERD:

– Heartburn and difficulty in swallowing
– Vomiting of sour, cheesy or curdled matter

Other Medicines

Arsenic Album – For Burning Pain in Throat

Calcarea Carb – For Sour Taste in Mouth

Nux Vomica – For Acid Reflux with Cough

Phosphorus – For Acid Reflux with Laryngitis (Hoarse Voice)

Carbo Veg – For Bloating and Heartburn

Pulsatilla Nigricans – For Acid Reflux from Fatty Food

Sulphuric Acid – For Acid Reflux with Sour Belching

The Medicines are Indicative only.

Consult a Homoeopathic Doctor for your complaints.

Self medication is harmful.