Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), pronounced /ɡæstroʊɪˈsɒfədʒiəl ˈriːflʌks dɪˈziːz/, is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus.
Etymology
The term "gastroesophageal" is derived from the Greek words "gaster" (stomach) and "oesophagus" (gullet). "Reflux" comes from the Latin "refluxus", meaning "flowing back". "Disease" is from the Old French "desaise", meaning "lack of ease".
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 acid reflux, you might also experience disrupted sleep or laryngitis.
Causes
GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux — when stomach acid or bile irritates the lining of the esophagus. Acid reflux and heartburn more than twice a week may indicate GERD.
Related Terms
- Heartburn: A burning pain in the chest that is usually caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.
- Esophagus: The tube that connects the throat (pharynx) with the stomach.
- Acid Reflux: A common condition that features a burning pain, known as heartburn, in the lower chest area.
- Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx, often caused by viral infections, voice strain or by GERD.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Wikipedia's article - Gastroesophageal reflux disease
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