This is an endoscopic image of peptic structure or narrowing of the esophagus near the junction with the stomach. This is a complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux of stomach acid to the esophagus. A typical symptom is heartburn. Reference: www.wikipedia.com
Nosebleed?! Well, heads up people! This disease may not be familiar to many but hey it can kill. About a month ago, I heard this story... A girl has been experiencing stomach aches for so long. Since stomach aches seem to be just an ordinary ailment, she didn't go see a doctor about it. Every time her stomach hurts, she drinks soft drinks because it gives her some kind of quick relief. One day her stomach hurt again, and as usual she drank cola, and then she died. Doctor said it was cardiac arrest but none of her family would believe such cause of death because they thought she was perfectly healthy and do not have any heart problem. But what really happened? Soft drinks contain acid, the last thing a GERD patient needs. She had GERD but she didn't know.
I am a GERD patient myself and I'm lucky to be aware of it, diagnosed back when I was in college. I was graduating and so there were so much in my plate (defense, comprehensive exams, etc.), it was really stressful. For some consecutive nights I have been burping myself to sleep, as in literally burp burp burp... One time my mom and I were talking and then my voice suddenly disappeared. I try to talk but no sound would come out. That, and the burping seemed unusual so I was brought to the hospital. A gastroenterologist explained this to me... There is this bulb thing which holds the acid in our body, its supposedly rubber-like thick but mine is thin by birth so a little trigger causes the bulb to release acids which harms the esophagus. The acid burns the lining through the heart causing difficulty in breathing. I went through a gastroendoscopy (HELL, the most physically painful procedure in my life so far), there the doctor saw how damaged my esophagus were. I was under medication for months and was forced to follow a very strict diet (NO softdrinks, alcohol, chocolates, spicy, salty, oily, and so many other NO NO). I remember the doctor telling my parents.. Oh she'll be fine, just follow the diet and avoid stress or extreme emotional swings, GERD isn't an everyday condition but when it strikes it could be fatal. (Whaaaat?!)
Lucky are those who are aware of what is going on with their physical health. Please... DO NOT ignore if you are feeling something wrong. Little things may be the symptoms of a great disease. How will you know if you won't ask an expert about it? Keep in mind that prevention is and will always be better than cure.
Life is a gift so treasure it and keep it safe. If you don't want to do it for yourself, then do it for the people who love you...
