Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
By admin | April 18, 2008
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the much more serious cousin of the disease GER, which stands or Gastroesophageal reflux. GER is much more common then Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, which is what this site is about.
When the lower esophageal sphincter continues to open spontaneously, for any period of time or when it does not properly close and the contents of the persons stomach enters into the lower esophageal, this is called GER. As we all know, the esophageal is the passage that transports food from your mouth to your stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter is the valve at the bottom of your esophagus.
When any food or fluids the person has consumed can be tasted at the back of the mouth, this is usually the first sign of acid reflux. It is when the refluxed acid from the stomach comes in to contact with the lining of the lower esophagus, it causes a sharp and sometimes intense burning sensation in the chest or even sometimes in the throat and this is what we call heart burn. A very common illness.
As I said before, Gastroesophageal reflux is common in most people and does not mean that you have Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. If however, GER persists, more then two or three times a week, it can lead to the more serious disease of Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Any age of person can get this, including children and infants.
Symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux disease is usually frequent feelings of heartburn. It’s a burning feeling in the chest and can cause significant discomfort. Other symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux disease have nothing to do with heartburn and can be a dry cough or asthma like symptoms and even something as simple as trouble swallowing.
Causes of Gastroesophageal reflux disease vary from patient to patient. Some foods cause it, also things like obesity and pregnancy also bring it on. Smoking is also a big cause of GERD. A known food source to bring on GERD is garlic and even tomatoes and tomatoe sauce, but only a doctor can make a full diagnosis of this.
Topics: Acid Reflux, gerd | No Comments »