GERD: Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastrointestinal reflux disease and acid reflux are sometimes used to refer to a medical condition called Gastroesophageal reflux disease. In this disease, stomach acid, or sometimes bile, flows back into the food pipe.

Cause

• Reflux disease may be less related to your diet than the function of a flap at the bottom of your esophagus. When this muscular flap relaxes abnormally, stomach acid can flow up into your esophagus.

Risk Factors

• A number of other conditions and lifestyles may increase the risk of reflux disease. Among these are obesity, diabetes, smoking, dry mouth and pregnancy.

Symptoms

• Symptoms may include a burning sensation, coughing up blood, blood in the feces and other discomforts in connection with digestion. If it occurs more than twice a week or disrupts your daily life, it may be classified as reflux disease.

Long-Term Complications

• With chronic recurrence the esophagus may become scarred, resulting in a narrowed passageway. A non-healing sore may also develop in the esophagus. In some cases there may be an increased risk of cancer in the esophagus.

Warning

• If you experience any of these symptoms frequently or at a disruptive intensity, consult your physician. If you experience chest pain associated with arm pain or other possible heart attack symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.