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2F03 M.M Wiki Lab: GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

MeSH Definition (from PubMed) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the stomach contents (food or liquid) leak backwards from the stomach into the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach). This action can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.

What is GERD? When one eats, food goes through the esophagus into the stomach. Acid is made in the stomach to digest the food. Once the food is in the stomach, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which is a muscle that prevents food from backing up into esophagus. If the sphincter muscle does not close well, food, this acid can move backwards into the esophagus. This can lead heartburn or sour taste in one's mouth. When this process happens frequently and over a long period of time, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Risk Factors for Reflux include: - alcohol - hiatal hernia (condition in which part of stomach moves above the diaphragm) - obesity - pregnancy - scleroderma (type of autoimmune disorder in which immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue) - smoking

Signs and Symptoms More common symptoms: - feeling that food is stuck behind the breastbone - heartburn or burning pain in chest (under breastbone) -> increased by bending, stooping, lying down, or eating -> more likely or worse at night -> relieved by antacids - nausea after eating Less common symptoms: - bringing food back up (regurgitation) - coughing or wheezing - difficulty swallowing - hiccups - hoarseness or change in voice - sore throat