Gastro Esophageal Reflux

Gastro esophageal reflux (GERD) is the disease wherein the mucosa is damaged by the changes that happens in between stomach and esophagus due to relaxation or improper function of the lower esophageal sphincter.

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This results in expulsion of gastric juices in to esophagus. Hiatal hernia also causes this condition. In chronic cases this reflux defect affects respiratory and laryngeal portions also. They are called extra esophageal reflux disease. (EERD)

Heartburn, regurgitation and difficulty in swallowing are the common symptoms. Rarely does it accompany with pain in swallowing, high salivary secretion, nausea and chest pain.

GERD in some cases causes injury to esophagus and it includes ulcers in the junction of the stomach and esophagus. (Necrosis), narrowing of the esophagus (stricture), metaplasia and rare form of cancer in the esophagus. It causes damage to other organs than esophagus (EERD) which includes cough, laryngitis, asthma, sinusitis and dental damage. Even somebody have symptoms of pharyngitis, sinusitis and even recurrent ear infections.

In children, GERD causes various symptoms like vomiting, cough and other respiratory symptoms. All children have different symptoms and their behavior changes in food intake, unnecessary crying, fails to gain weight and some children have belching as in adults.