Gep
Overview[edit | edit source]
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, stomach content, flows back into the esophagus. The backwash (reflux) irritates the lining of the esophagus and causes GERD.
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux—the backup of stomach acid or bile into the esophagus. 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, causing frequent heartburn.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Common signs and symptoms of GERD include:
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Chest pain
- Sensation of a lump in your throat
Risk Factors[edit | edit source]
Factors that can increase the risk of GERD include:
- Obesity
- Bulging of the top of the stomach up into the diaphragm (hiatal hernia)
- Pregnancy
- Connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma
- Delayed stomach emptying
Complications[edit | edit source]
Over time, chronic inflammation in your esophagus can lead to:
- Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture)
- An open sore in the esophagus (esophageal ulcer)
- Precancerous changes to the esophagus (Barrett's esophagus)
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
GERD can often be diagnosed based on a physical examination and history of your signs and symptoms. To confirm a diagnosis of GERD, or to check for complications, your doctor might recommend:
- Upper endoscopy
- Ambulatory acid (pH) probe test
- Esophageal manometry
- X-ray of your upper digestive system
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for GERD may involve lifestyle modifications, medications, or surgery.
Lifestyle Modifications[edit | edit source]
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux
- Eat smaller meals
- Don't lie down after a meal
- Elevate the head of your bed
Medications[edit | edit source]
- Antacids
- H-2-receptor blockers
- Proton pump inhibitors
Surgery[edit | edit source]
Surgical options include:
- Fundoplication
- LINX device
Prevention[edit | edit source]
To prevent GERD, it is recommended to:
- Avoid large meals
- Avoid lying down after a meal
- Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux
- Lose weight if overweight
See Also[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
- [American College of Gastroenterology](https://gi.org/)
- [National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/)
| Health science - Medicine - Gastroenterology - edit |
|---|
| Diseases of the esophagus - stomach |
| Halitosis | Nausea | Vomiting | GERD | Achalasia | Esophageal cancer | Esophageal varices | Peptic ulcer | Abdominal pain | Stomach cancer | Functional dyspepsia | Gastroparesis |
| Diseases of the liver - pancreas - gallbladder - biliary tree |
| Hepatitis | Cirrhosis | NASH | PBC | PSC | Budd-Chiari | Hepatocellular carcinoma | Acute pancreatitis | Chronic pancreatitis | Pancreatic cancer | Gallstones | Cholecystitis |
| Diseases of the small intestine |
| Peptic ulcer | Intussusception | Malabsorption (e.g. Coeliac, lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption, Whipple's) | Lymphoma |
| Diseases of the colon |
| Diarrhea | Appendicitis | Diverticulitis | Diverticulosis | IBD (Crohn's, Ulcerative colitis) | IBS | Constipation | Colorectal cancer | Hirschsprung's | Pseudomembranous colitis |
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
