Ulcer and Gerd, Similar but not the Same

Sahabat Hermina, in general, an ulcer is a condition that indicates there is a problem in the stomach. While GERD is a more serious condition. Furthermore, GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition when stomach acid rises from the stomach into the esophagus (acid reflux), which is caused by a weakened valve at the bottom of the esophagus. 

Gastritis is a collection of symptoms that cause discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest after consuming certain foods or drinks. Meanwhile, GERD is a condition where stomach acid rises into the esophagus which causes heartburn or a burning sensation in the chest. At first glance it looks similar, right? For more details about the difference between an ulcer and GERD, come on, see the full explanation below.

Causes of Ulcers and GERD

GERD is caused by repeated exposure to stomach acid to the esophagus or esophagus which results in erosion of the esophageal mucosa. This is also caused by the weakening of the esophageal valve, so that stomach acid, which should not be able to go up, can rise past the esophageal valve and irritate the esophageal wall. Whereas in an ulcer, what is irritated is only the stomach wall.

Ulcer and GERD symptoms

When viewed in terms of symptoms, heartburn is characterized by a feeling of discomfort that comes and goes in the upper abdominal area. Other conditions that most often occur in stomach ulcers are:

• Flatulence at the top.
• Stomach feels full when eating, even though the food has not been finished.
• Pain in the solar plexus.
• Pass gas and burp.
• Nauseous.
• Vomiting.

Unlike the case with an ulcer, GERD symptoms can be said to be more severe. These symptoms are gastric acid reflux characterized by a burning sensation in the chest or heartburn and occurs two or more times a week. This sensation can cause symptoms including:

• Regurgitation, namely food or stomach acid rising into the esophagus.
• Chest pain.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Throat feels lumpy.
• Chest burning after eating and may be worse at night.

Ulcer and GERD Treatment

Treatment for ulcers and GERD is almost the same. But generally, ulcer treatment depends on the severity. Mild symptoms can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding consumption of fatty and spicy foods, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and reduce daily alcohol and caffeine consumption. In severe cases, dyspepsia is treated with medication. For example, antacids, H-2 receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and antibiotics.

Meanwhile, in the case of GERD, treatment begins with changing the diet, aka switching to foods that are low in fat, not too salty, and not too spicy. Changes in the diet need to be accompanied by changes to a healthier lifestyle, such as getting enough sleep, managing stress, exercising regularly, and stopping smoking. If the condition does not improve, people with GERD are advised to take medication to relieve symptoms.

How to Overcome Ulcer and GERD

Even though gastritis and GERD are slightly different, the way to deal with them is the same. The easiest way is a healthy lifestyle. Apart from that, you can also do the following:

• More regular diet.
• Avoid lying down after eating.
• Avoid spicy and sour foods.
• Keep your weight stable.
• Sleep regularly.
• Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol.

So, that's the difference between ulcers and GERD that's important for you to know. Adopt a healthy lifestyle, avoid smoking and alcohol, and do a few simple things, starting with setting more regular meal times and not being late. Salam sehat.