GERD

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), pronounced /ɡæstroʊɪˈsɒfədʒiəl ˈriːflʌks dɪˈziːz/, is a chronic digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, bile flows back (refluxes) into your food pipe (esophagus). The backwash (reflux) irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes GERD.

Etymology

The term "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease" is derived from the Greek words "gaster" (stomach), "oesophagus" (gullet), and the Latin "refluxus" (flowing back). The term "disease" comes from the Old French "desaise" (lack of ease; trouble).

Symptoms

Common symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain — especially while lying down at night. If you have nighttime GERD, you might also experience chronic cough, laryngitis, new or worsening asthma, and disrupted sleep.

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 into your stomach. Then the sphincter closes again. If the sphincter relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus, causing frequent heartburn and disrupting the normal esophageal lining.

Related Terms

See Also

External links

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