Reflux Disease Health Channel

	Feature Article Illustrations for this article Click on an image below to enlarge Digestive system Upper gastrointestinal system Show all 3 photos Gastroesophageal reflux disease Definition 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. 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. Symptoms Heartburn Involves a burning pain in the chest (under the breastbone) Increased by bending, stooping, lying down, or eating Relieved by antacids More frequent or worse at night Belching Regurgitation of food Nausea and vomiting Vomiting blood Hoarseness or change in voice Sore throat Difficulty swallowing Cough or wheezing Signs and tests A positive stool guaiac Continuous esophageal pH monitoring showing reflux Endoscopy showing ulceration or inflammation of the esophagus Esophageal manometry showing abnormal sphincter pressure A barium swallow showing reflux A positive Bernstein test for gastric acid reflux Treatment General measures include: Weight reduction Avoiding lying down after meals Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated Taking medication with plenty of water Avoiding dietary fat, chocolate, caffeine, peppermint (they may cause lower esophageal pressure) Avoiding alcohol and tobacco Medications that alleviate symptoms include: Antacids after meals and at bedtime Histamine H2 receptor blockers Promotility agents Proton pump inhibitors Anti-reflux operations (Nissen fundoplication) may help a small number of patients who have persistent symptoms despite medical treatment. There are also new therapies that can be performed through an endoscope (a flexible tube passed through the mouth into the stomach) for reflux. Expectations (prognosis) The majority of people respond to nonsurgical measures with behavioral modification and medications. Complications Inflammation of the esophagus Stricture Esophageal ulcer ... Continue reading this article

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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. 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

Stomach acid test (1 image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
The stomach acid test is a test that measures the quantity and acidity of stomach contents. Reviewer: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA.Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/18/2006

Gastroesophageal reflux in infants (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition in which stomach contents travels backward from the stomach to the esophagus, rather than down through the digestive system. This article discusses reflux in infants. Reviewer: Deirdre OReilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Childrens Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Also reviewed by Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Reviews provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. (10/13/2006)Date: 09/28/2007

Barrett’s esophagus (2 images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Barrett's esophagus is a disorder in which the lining of the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach) is damaged. The damage is caused by stomach acid that leaks back into the esophagus. This leakage of acid is commonly known as "heartburn" (gastroesophageal reflux. Reviewer: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/13/2006

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