Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Digestive system

Upper gastrointestinal system

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Definition:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which food or liquid travels from the stomach back up into the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach). This partially digested material is usually acidic, and can irritate the esophagus, often causing heartburn and other symptoms.

Alternative Names:

Peptic esophagitis; Reflux esophagitis; GERD; Heartburn - chronic

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Gastroesophageal reflux is a common condition that often occurs without symptoms after meals. In some people, the reflux is related to a problem with the lower esophageal sphincter, a band of muscle fibers that usually closes off the esophagus from the stomach. If this sphincter doesn't close properly, food and liquid can move backward into the esophagus and may cause the symptoms.

The risk factors for reflux include hiatal hernia, pregnancy, and scleroderma.

Review Date: 7/16/2004
Reviewed By: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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