01/07/2021
Today we discuss Acid Reflux or GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease
GERD occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, stomach content, flows back into your food pipe (esophagus)
The backwash (reflux) irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes GERD
Both acid reflux and heartburn are common digestive conditions that many people experience from time to time
When these signs and symptoms occur at least twice each week or interfere with your daily life, or when your doctor can see damage to your esophagus, you may be diagnosed with GERD
SYMPTOMS
GERD signs and symptoms include:
# A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), sometimes spreading to your throat, along with a sour taste in your mouth
# Chest pain
# Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
cough
# Hoarseness or sore throat
# Regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux)
# Sensation 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 down 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.
Sometimes this can disrupt your daily life
This constant backwash of acid can irritate the lining of your esophagus, causing it to become inflamed (esophagitis)
Over time, the inflammation can wear away the esophageal lining, causing complications such as bleeding
esophageal narrowing or
Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous condition)
RISK FACTORS:
Conditions that can increase your risk of GERD include:
of top of stomach up into the diaphragm (hiatal hernia)
mouth
stomach emptying
tissue disorders, such as scleroderma
Contact Nature Clinic on 0247277525 if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above