Gastroesophageal reflux disease

"Acid reflux" redirects here. For the song by Oscar Jackson Jr., see Acid Reflex.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)[1] is a chronic medical problem involving the part of the body which runs from the mouth to the stomach.[2]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Other namesBritish: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD);[3] gastric reflux disease, acid reflux disease, reflux, gastroesophageal reflux
X-ray showing radiocontrast from the stomach (white material below diaphragm) entering the esophagus (three vertical collections of white material in the mid-line of the chest) due to severe reflux
Pronunciation
Medical specialtyGastroenterology
SymptomsTaste of acid, heartburn, bad breath, chest pain, breathing problems[8]
ComplicationsEsophagitis, esophageal strictures, Barrett's esophagus[8]
DurationLong term[8][9]
CausesInadequate closure of the lower esophageal sphincter[8]
Risk factorsObesity, pregnancy, smoking, hiatal hernia, taking certain medicines[8]
Diagnostic methodGastroscopy, upper GI series, esophageal pH monitoring, esophageal manometry[8]
Differential diagnosisPeptic ulcer disease, esophageal cancer, esophageal spasm, angina[10]
TreatmentLifestyle changes, medications, surgery[8]
MedicationAntacids, H2 receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics[8][11]
Frequency~15% (North American and European populations)[11]

The problem exists when stomach contents move backwards towards the mouth, or when thr stomach produces too many amino acids. Food or liquid moves from the stomach into the tube between the mouth and the stomach. That tube is called the oesophagus.[12]

The burning sensation is commonly called "heartburn," but it has nothing to do with the heart.[13]

References

  1. ↑ GERD is an acronym for "GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease."
  2. ↑ GERD is also called "Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) or "gastric reflux disease" or "acid reflux disease". GERD and GORD are different spelling acronyms for the same thing.
  3. ↑ Carroll, Will (14 October 2016). Gastroenterology & Nutrition: Prepare for the MRCPCH. Key Articles from the Paediatrics & Child Health journal. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 130. ISBN 978-0-7020-7092-1. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is defined as 'gastrooesophageal reflux' associated with complications including oesophagitis...
  4. ↑ "Definition of "gastro-" - Collins American English Dictionary". Archived from the original on 8 December 2015.
  5. ↑ "Definition of "esophagus" - Collins American English Dictionary". Archived from the original on 8 December 2015.
  6. ↑ "reflux noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes - Oxford Advanced American Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com". Archived from the original on 8 December 2015.
  7. ↑ "GORD | Meaning & Definition for UK English". Lexico.com. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 Cite error: The named reference NIH2014 was used but no text was provided for refs named (see the help page).
  9. ↑ Cite error: The named reference Kah2008 was used but no text was provided for refs named (see the help page).
  10. ↑ Kahan, Scott (2008). In a Page: Medicine. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 124. ISBN 978-0-7817-7035-4. Archived from the original on 8 September 2017.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Cite error: The named reference Her2011 was used but no text was provided for refs named (see the help page).
  12. ↑ PubMed Health, "Gastroesophageal reflux disease ... GERD," August 11, 2011; retrieved 2012-1-26.
  13. ↑ WebMD, "Heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)"; retrieved 2012-1-27.

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