The Difference between GERD and Ulcer, People Should Know
- U-Report
VIVA – Many people think that ulcer and GERD are the same diseases because both come from the stomach, even though they have significant differences.
Ulcer or medically known as gastritis is inflammation, irritation, or erosion that occurs in the lining of the stomach. This condition can occur suddenly (acute) or chronic.
Meanwhile, GERD is an upper gastrointestinal disease that occurs because stomach acid with a high degree of acidity rises into the esophagus. Symptoms of GERD and heartburn are almost the same, which causes heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.
Reporting from Healthline, here are the differences between GERD and ulcers that people need to know.
The first difference between GERD and ulcer can be seen from the description of the condition. Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the tube that connects the mouth and stomach (esophagus). This condition (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of the esophagus.
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- U-Report
Acid reflux is a common condition. GERD is mild acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week, or moderate to severe acid reflux that occurs at least once a week.
Most people can overcome the discomfort of GERD with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. But in the case of some people, their GERD treatment may require medication or surgery to relieve symptoms.
While ulcers or gastritis are a general term for a group of conditions in which there is inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
The inflammation of gastritis usually results from the same bacterial infection that causes most ulcers or the regular use of certain pain medications. Drinking too much alcohol can also cause an ulcer.
Ulcers can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or appear slowly over time (chronic gastritis). In some cases, ulcers can lead to an increased risk of stomach cancer. But for most people, gastritis is not a serious condition and can improve quickly with a short course of treatment.
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- U-Report
The difference between GERD and subsequent ulcers is in the symptoms that appear. The main symptom of GERD is acid reflux. Acid reflux can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest, which can travel up into the neck and throat.
Weakness in the lining of the stomach allows digestive juices to damage and make it inflamed, causing ulcers. Having a thin or damaged stomach lining increases the risk of an ulcer.
In the case of GERD, although there is no single cause, there are mechanisms in the body that, when not functioning properly, can increase the risk of developing GERD.
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a circular band of muscle at the end of the esophagus. When working normally, it relaxes and opens when swallowing. Then tighten and close again afterward.
The third difference between GERD and ulcer can be known from the cause. The cause of ulcers can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, stress, the use of certain drugs such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, bacterial infections, and so on.
While the cause of GERD can be due to excess weight, hiatal hernia, smoking, alcohol consumption, pregnancy, or consumption of certain drugs such as painkillers or antidepressant drugs.
Well, how to deal with GERD and ulcers is almost the same, namely by giving antacid drugs, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors.
In addition to drugs, it is also necessary to adjust the diet for people with stomach ulcers and GERD. There are several types of food and drink that need to be avoided for sufferers of both diseases.
Certain intakes such as spicy foods, fatty foods, foods that are too acidic, alcoholic beverages, soft  drinks, or caffeine can trigger symptoms of heartburn and GERD so they need to be avoided.
