Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (pronounced gas-troh-uh-sof-uh-JEE-ul ree-fluhks dih-zeez), often abbreviated as GERD, is a chronic condition in which stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation.

Etymology

The term "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease" is derived from the following medical terms: "gastro-" (stomach), "-esophageal" (pertaining to the esophagus), "reflux" (backward flow), and "disease" (a condition that impairs normal functioning).

Symptoms

Common symptoms of GERD include:

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation
• Dysphagia
• Chest pain
• Dry cough
• Hoarseness or sore throat
• Feeling of a lump in your throat

Causes

GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux — the backup of stomach acid or bile into the esophagus. When you swallow, the lower esophageal sphincter — a circular band of muscle around the bottom part of your esophagus — relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into your stomach. Then it closes again. However, if this valve relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus, causing frequent heartburn and disrupting your daily life.

Related Terms

• Acid Reflux
• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Lower Esophageal Sphincter
• Heartburn
• Regurgitation

See Also

• Peptic Ulcer Disease
• Gastritis
• Esophagitis

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
• Wikipedia's article - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

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