Are Gerd And Halitosis Connected?

The answer is yes…here’s how. A large number of sufferers of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) more commonly referred to as acid reflux admit to having some sort of bad breath. Until recently though, a connection had not been formally established. A recent survey has changed that. The study confirmed that GERD and halitosis are indeed related to one another. While specific methods to fight the root cause of the bad breath are still unknown, we will take the time to explore the connection and discuss some tactics for managing the condition.

The Connection

In essence, the connection between the two can be narrowed down to the root cause of protein pump inhibitors (PPI’s). PPI’s are quite a common form of medicinal treatment for acid reflux, but have been shown in this recent study to stimulate the abnormally large growth of a certain bacteria. The halitosis is caused by this bacteria.

Untreated GERD and halitosis are not always related, the study shows. Only about 40% of the people studied had bad breath as a result of acid reflux. And just because someone has halitosis doesn’t mean they suffer from the condition of GERD. Sometimes, though, it very well could be an indicator. Some patients find out that they have acid reflux without ever experiencing a symptom.

Treatment

Right now, there are not any universally agreed upon treatments that combat bad breath resulting from GERD directly. This is not indicative of the fact that a treatment is hard to develop, or is not coming. It is simply reflective of the very recent determination of the connection between untreated GERD and halitosis. In the mean time, though, you can still follow some very simple guidelines to keep the condition manageable.

Continue reading for some tips in keeping your breath sweet and sign up for the free acid reflux, GERD and heartburn newsletter below.

Some guidelines:

Good Hygiene Habits – Having good hygiene is important for everyone, but especially to sufferers of acid reflux and halitosis. Because of the potentially compounding effects of bacterial growth in a dirty mouth, it is vital to practice better-than-average hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride. You should also floss regularly and brush you tongue and gums to break up excessive bacterial growth.

Visit Your Dentist – See you dentist regularly for a professional teeth and mouth cleaning. This will help break up any hidden bacterial growth that has spread excessively to the mouth. Remember, a dirty mouth coupled with halitosis will only compound the problem of bad breath.

Utilize Mouthwash – Use mouthwash regularly to make sure you kill as many germs as possible in your mouth. The stronger the better, as you want to kill bacteria growth before it can become too established.

Stop smoking – You also should refrain from smoking if possible. In addition to being bad for your breath, smoking will worsen your GERD condition.

Again, these methods still do not directly treat the root problem of bacteria growth. For now, though, they can help keep your problem manageable and discreet until more is known.

By: Kathryn Whittaker -

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By Kathryn Whittaker. Sign up for a free newsletter that has proven methods for tackling Acid Reflux, Heartburn and GERD head-on and discover more about GERD and halitosis.

What is GERD?

If you have acid reflux, or if you have trouble with indigestion, then you may want to know more about GERD. It seems like a funny name, but this is a serious condition. (…)   Read more…

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What Are The Real Causes For Gerd

GERD or known as gastro esophageal reflux disease is a kind of condition that is focused on the digestive systems of people. The chronic pain of the acid reflux is suffered by many people around the world. This condition is very widespread and it is a disease that is commonly incurred by the stomach contents reflux that reaches the esophagus. The disease is quite common among adults and even to infants and although it may not be life threatening but it can lead to more serious conditions if it is not treated properly or at the right time. Many people will experience a very mild case of acid reflux every once and awhile, and pregnant woman are also prone to this disorder.

One can tell if one has acid reflux disease because of symptoms that include heartburn, problem in swallowing and some hurting in the chest area. Other common symptoms of GERD are harshness in the throat along with constant coughing, a sensation of burning pain in the chest, ear aching, sinusitis and nausea. Although, the symptoms stated above are some signs of gastro esophageal reflux disease, having one or two of them together does not necessarily mean that you have GERD. There are other sicknesses and diseases that have these similar symptoms.

The main cause of GERD is the lack of ability of the anti-reflux barrier in our body. Although the lower esophageal sphincter can also causes to GERD, the incapability of the anti reflux barrier is the main cause. Obesity has also been linked to gastro esophageal reflux disease as well as hypocalcaemia where there is an increase of stomach acid production.

GERD is also caused because of factors like the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to do its work properly, irregular throwing out of the gastric acids from the esophagus a hiatal hernia and the irregular relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Individuals who think they have Gastro esophageal reflux disease should go visit a doctor for the proper analysis of the disease. An internist who specializes in our digestive system’s diseases can also help in advising. Getting a medical opinion can be helpful for those who are suffering from chronic GERD and it’s innumerable of symptoms which can be very uncomfortable.

Acid reflux Gerd can be caused by a multiplicity of things. Acid reflux Gerd may be the result of diets which are high in fatty foods, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and even onions and garlic have all been foods that are connected with acid reflux.

Medications can also be a factor in resulting acid reflux Gerd. Some medications have a propensity to cause the reaction that leads the stomach acids to be flowing back up.

There are some factors to gastro esophageal reflux that have to do with changes within the body. This can be happen during a pregnancy and even diabetics seem to have larger incidents of acid reflux gerd. Patients who have gained substantial amounts of weight are also at risk for acid reflux gerd. This can of course have something to do with diet that may also be a hazard factor for acid reflux gerd.

The Possible Ways For Treating Acid Reflux

Many patients also make complaints of symptoms got worsen especially during the night. One resolution to this problem is to try using several pillows to bolster you up. This position will tend to help keep the acid from being pushed up. There are also medications that can be taken that will help in the ease of pain and symptoms of acid reflux Gerd. Speaking with a physician about the symptoms can lead to medications that may help to trigger and control the discomfort allied with this disorder.

A change of person’s diet may also help ease pain management and manage the symptoms of acid reflux gerd. It may take some trial and error to find out which foods need to be avoided in order to get the condition in control. Acid reflux Gerd is a painful condition that requires to be monitored by a physician just in case any severe side effects may occur.

There are a number of treatments for GERD and these are classified as non drug treatments, drug treatments and surgery. As their names suggest, the non drug treatments do not include using chemical based drugs and other medicines that are based in science. The treatment can be as simple as lifting the head during your sleep or making adjustment to one’s posture. Drug treatments for GERD are gladly available but you would require the recommendation of the drug from a verified medical practitioner. Although surgery is another form of treatment for gastro esophageal reflux disease, it is usually for cases where the other treatments do not work or as a replacement of long term drug use. GERD is in fact not a life threatening disease therefore surgery is not a rushed decision.

By: Cindy Heller

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Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit acid reflux gerd to learn more about gastroesophageal reflux disease and other symptoms acid reflux gerd.

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