Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which food or liquid travels backward from the stomach up into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). The acid from the partially digested food or liquid can irritate the esophagus. Acid reflux can cause heartburn and other symptoms.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which partially digested food, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes flow backward from the stomach up into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. A ring-shaped muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, usually prevents the stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. However, in gastroesophageal reflux disease, this muscle does not function properly, allowing the acidic contents from the stomach to flow back up the esophagus. The backward flow of acid into the esophagus is called acid reflux. Frequent or ongoing heartburn is a common symptom of GERD. Regurgitation (when stomach contents reach the mouth) can accompany heartburn in patients with severe GERD. Other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), belching, chronic cough, waking up with a sour taste in one's mouth, and burning or pain in the middle of the chest. Symptoms of chronic GERD that is untreated include dark stools, esophageal ulcers, and narrowing of the esophagus, which makes swallowing difficult.
Acid reflux often worsens when a person bends over or lies down, as opposed to when a person sits or stands and gravity can help keep the stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. This is why many GERD symptoms worsen at night when a patient lies down to sleep. GERD may also be triggered by smoking and eating certain foods. Alcohol and coffee, which stimulate the production of acid, can also exacerbate acid reflux. Symptoms of acid reflux often develop soon after eating, when the stomach is full and its contents are more acidic.
Most people with GERD respond to behavior modification. Measures include maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding certain foods and activities that worsen symptoms. A comprehensive treatment plan for GERD should include consultation with a physician.
