Health Conditions - For Everyone

What is Gastro-Eosophageal Reflux Disease
    (GERD)?
   print page print the page   Email email the page Follow VitalHealthZone on Twitter Bookmark and Share

 

 

 

 


What is gastro-eosophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Gastro-eosophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder of the digestive system where the eosophagus is exposed to the stomachs contents (partially digested food and stomach acids) through reflux or regurgitation and this causes erosion, ulceration and inflammation to the eosophagus, together with discomfort and pain.

The eosophagus (also known as the gullet) passes from the back of the throat to the stomach and it moves in rhythmic wave-like motion to move food down through it and into the stomach. At each end of the eosophagus there are sphincters - the one near the throat prevents foods from coming back up and the one near the stomach (the lower eosophageal sphincter) keeps the food in the stomach and prevents the food from coming back up the eosophagus

In people with gastro-eosophageal reflux disease (GERD), the lower eosophageal sphincter opens to allow undigested food and acid from the stomach into the eosophagus and this invariable damages the eosophagus since there is no protective lining on the eosophagus to prevent damage from the acidic contents, as there is in the stomach.

Advertisement


Facts about gastro-eosophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Advertisement


^ top


Sections: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

                                                                                  2: symptoms >



  Last reviewed: 10 November 2007 || Last updated: 3 January 2009

 

Related Articles

 

NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

 

^ top