Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Dallas (GERD)
Overview
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Dallas (GERD) occurs when 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.
Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. GERD
is mild acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week, or moderate to severe
acid reflux that occurs at least once a week.
Causes
GERD is caused
by frequent acid reflux.
When you swallow, a circular band of muscle around the
bottom of your esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) 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. This constant backwash of acid irritates
the lining of your esophagus, often causing it to become inflamed.
Risk factors
·
Obesity
·
Bulging of the top of the stomach up
into the diaphragm (hiatal hernia)
·
Pregnancy
·
Connective tissue disorders, such as
scleroderma
·
Delayed stomach emptying
Factors that can aggravate acid reflux include:
·
Smoking
·
Eating large meals or eating late at
night
·
Eating certain foods (triggers) such
as fatty or fried foods
·
Drinking certain beverages, such as
alcohol or coffee
·
Taking certain medications, such as
aspirin
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