"Acid reflux" redirects here. For the song by Oscar Jackson Jr., see Acid Reflex.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)[1] is a chronic medical problem involving the part of the body which runs from the mouth to the stomach.[2]
Quick facts Other names, Pronunciation ...
| Gastroesophageal reflux disease |
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| Other names | British: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD);[3] gastric reflux disease, acid reflux disease, reflux, gastroesophageal reflux |
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| X-ray showing radiocontrast from the stomach (white material below diaphragm) entering the esophagus (three vertical collections of white material in the mid-line of the chest) due to severe reflux |
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| Medical specialty | Gastroenterology |
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| Symptoms | Taste of acid, heartburn, bad breath, chest pain, breathing problems[8] |
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| Complications | Esophagitis, esophageal strictures, Barrett's esophagus[8] |
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| Duration | Long term[8][9] |
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| Causes | Inadequate closure of the lower esophageal sphincter[8] |
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| Risk factors | Obesity, pregnancy, smoking, hiatal hernia, taking certain medicines[8] |
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| Diagnostic method | Gastroscopy, upper GI series, esophageal pH monitoring, esophageal manometry[8] |
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| Differential diagnosis | Peptic ulcer disease, esophageal cancer, esophageal spasm, angina[10] |
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| Treatment | Lifestyle changes, medications, surgery[8] |
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| Medication | Antacids, H2 receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics[8][11] |
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| Frequency | ~15% (North American and European populations)[11] |
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Close
The problem exists when stomach contents move backwards towards the mouth, or when thr stomach produces too many amino acids. Food or liquid moves from the stomach into the tube between the mouth and the stomach. That tube is called the oesophagus.[12]
The burning sensation is commonly called "heartburn," but it has nothing to do with the heart.[13]
