Junk food causes GERD in youth

GERD occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, stomach content, flows back into your food pipe (oesophagus). This constant backwash of acid can affect the oesophagus lining, causing it to become inflamed (oesophagitis). 

Though the condition is relatively common even among infants, it settles over time. But of late, doctors are seeing several teenagers and those in the age group above 20 years, ie, young professionals. 

P Basumani, consultant gastroenterologist, Fortis Malar relates the increase in sale of fizzy drinks and alcohol to the condition. 

He adds, “It is definitely becoming a lifestyle disease. Several youngsters including teenagers are obese, because of which, the fat in the abdomen compresses the stomach and raises its internal pressure, leading to acid reflux. For those above 20 years — erratic food habits, consumption of deep fried foods are all reasons for the condition to be prevalent among a huge group of the population.” He says while he sees several outpatients with the condition every day, there are more who need treatment but are ignorant about it. 

Dr Basumani adds that those with the condition when left untreated are at a higher risk of developing junction cancer. “It is best to get it treated, one of the treatment options for extreme cases includes surgery also called anti-reflux surgery,” he adds.