Gastroesophageal reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a condition that occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus—the tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. This can cause heartburn and other signs and symptoms. Frequent or constant reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Causes

GER occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter—a ring of muscle fibers that surround the lower-most end of the esophagus where it joins the stomach—becomes weak or relaxes when it shouldn't, causing stomach contents to rise up into the esophagus.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of GER is heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest and sometimes the throat, along with a sour taste in the mouth. Other symptoms can include regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain.

Diagnosis

To diagnose GER, a doctor might perform a test to measure the amount of acid in your esophagus. Endoscopy, a procedure in which a flexible scope is used to examine the inside of the esophagus, may also be used.

Treatment

Treatment for GER includes lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery for those who do not improve with medications.

See also

• Heartburn
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Esophagus
• Stomach

Gastroesophageal reflux Resources
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