Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which food or liquid travels backwards from the stomach to the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach). This action can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
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 (a condition in which part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities), pregnancy, and scleroderma.
A number of studies suggest that obesity contributes to gastroesophageal reflux. For instance, the Nurses Health Study found that being overweight or obese significantly increased reflux symptoms in women. (Women who lost weight in the study, meanwhile, had fewer symptoms.)
Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux can be brought on or worsened by pregnancy and by many different medications. Such drugs include:
If you suspect that one of your medications may be causing heartburn, talk to your doctor. Never change or stop medication you take regularly without talking to your doctor.
Heartburn (4 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Heartburn is a painful burning sensation in the esophagus, just below or behind the breastbone. The pain often rises in your chest and may radiate to your neck or throat.Almost everyone has occasional heartburn. Reviewer: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 05/03/2007
Irritable bowel syndrome (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) refers to a complex disorder of the lower intestinal tract. It is mainly characterized by a pattern of symptoms that is often worsened by emotional stress.It is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), which i...Reviewer: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 08/22/2008
Diarrhea (4 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Diarrhea is loose, watery, and frequent stool. Diarrhea is considered chronic(long-term) when you have had loose or frequent stools for more than 4 weeks.Stools- watery; Frequent bowel movements; Loose bowel movements.Diarrhea in adults is usually...Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Date: 02/19/2009
Crohn's disease (8 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Crohn''s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), which involves ongoing(chronic) inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn''s-related inflammation usually affects the intestines, but may occur anywhere from the mouth to the end...Reviewer: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/20/2008
Gastrointestinal perforation (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Gastrointestinal perforation is a hole that develops through the entire wall of the stomach, small intestine, large bowel, or gallbladder. This condition is a medical emergency.Intestinal perforation; Perforation of the intestines.Gastrointestinal...Reviewer: Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 07/23/2008
Gastrointestinal bleeding (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Gastrointestinal(GI) bleeding refers to any bleeding that starts in the gastrointestinal tract, which extends from the mouth to the anus.The amount of bleeding can range from nearly undetectable to acute, massive, and life threatening.Bleeding may...Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 01/28/2009
Ulcerative colitis (3 images)
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(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine and rectum.The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. It may affect any age group, although there are peaks at ages 15- 30 and then again at ages 50- 70.T...Reviewer: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/20/2008
Traveler's diarrhea diet(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Traveler''s diarrhea is loose, watery, and frequent stools that occur after visiting areas with contaminated water supplies, poor sewage systems, or improper food handling. High-risk destinations include third world or developing countries, includi...Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 03/05/2009
Bananas and upset stomach (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
BRATBananas are part of the BRAT diet, a diet many physicians and nurses recommend for children recovering from gastrointestinal problems, particularly diarrhea. BRAT stands for the different components that make up the diet:BananasRice cerealApp...Reviewer: Rachel A. Lewis, M.D., F.A.A.P., Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 11/12/2007
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