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GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease - GERD
Contents of this Article
Gastroesophageal Reflux:
The backflow of acid & food particles that seep out of the stomach and up into the * esophagus, commonly known as heartburn, a painful, burning feeling in the chest, most commonly occurring after a meal. Heartburn on a regular basis can lead to damage & scarring in the esophagus. Frequent heartburn, occurring several times a week to several times a day, may be associated with a more severe condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Heartburn is so common, it often is not associated with a serious disease like GERD.
GERD Symptoms
GERD stands for GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease
Most Common Symptoms
- Persistent heartburn (a painful, burning feeling in the chest, most commonly occurring after a meal)
- Acid * regurgitation
Other Symptoms
Some people have GERD without heartburn or acid regurgitation. Instead, they experience:
- Pain in the chest
- Hoarseness in the morning
- Trouble swallowing
- You may feel like you have food stuck in your throat or like you are choking or your throat is sore or tight
- Dry cough
- Breathing difficulties similar to * asthma
Some people have NERD (Non-erosive esophageal reflux disease). NERD is * chronic reflux symptoms but without inflammation of the esophageal tissue.
Definitions For This Page - In Alphabetical Order
* Asthma
Pronounced - AZ-muh
A chronic (lasting for a long period of time) respiratory disease, often arising from allergies, that is characterized by sudden recurring attacks of labored breathing, chest constriction, and coughing.
* Chronic
Pronounced - KRAW-nik
Chronic is a term that refers to disorders that last a long time, often years. A chronic condition is one lasting 3 months or more, by the definition of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics.
* Esophagus
Pronounced - eh-SAW-fuh-gus
Esophagus is the organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. Also called gullet or food pipe. Also spelled oesophagus.
* Regurgitation
Pronounced - ree-GUR-juh-TAY-shun
Regurgitation is to cause to surge back, as partially digested food. Vomit into the back of the throat.
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