Introduction to Gastroesophageal Reflux

Gastric reflux is commonly known as gastroesophageal reflux and abbreviated GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach (gastric) and the esophagus (esophageal). According to Johns Hopkins medicine, gastroesophageal reflux is the involuntary movement of gastric contents to the esophagus (Johns Hopkin medicine Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2001). It occurs when stomach acid or stomach content, flows back into your esophagus or food pipe. This back-flow causes the lining of the esophagus to become irritated. Gastric reflux becomes a disease when it “causes frequent or severe symptoms or when it produces injury (Johns Hopkin medicine Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2001)." There is no known single cause of GERD. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIH), some factors that can contribute to GERD are having increase pressure on the abdomen from being overweight, obese, or pregnant. Taking certain medications as those prescribed to treat asthma- a chronic disease involving the inflammation of the airways in the lungs, taking medication to treat high blood pressure such as calcium channel blockers, taking allergy medication, painkillers, sedatives- medication to help you sleep, and antidepressants. Other factors include, smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke and having a hiatal hernia or stomach hernia- a condition in which part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm muscles (Mayo Clinic, 2014).    

Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux can vary from person to person. The most common symptom is having regular heartburn- a burning sensation in your chest. Other symptoms include but are not limited to nausea and/or vomiting, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, regurgitation of food or sour liquid and materials, and dry cough. According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders or IFFGD, some people may experience belching, inflammation of the gums, erosion of the enamel of the teeth, a sour taste, bad breath, inflammation of the voice box also known as laryngitis, and a sudden excess of saliva. People may also experience non-erosive GERD, erosive GERD, and mild symptoms GERD. Non-erosive GERD is “the presence of symptoms with no evident tissue damage” (IFFGD, 2016). Erosive GERD is when the tissue lining of the esophagus is damaged due to repeated or prolonged exposure to the content from the stomach. Most people experience GERD with mild symptoms, and no visible tissue damage and little risk of complications (IFFGD, 2016). Other common complications of GERD are esophagitis- inflammation of the esophagus, esophageal strictures or narrowing of the esophagus, and Barrett’s esophagus- damage to the lower part of the esophagus that connects the mouth and the stomach (Johns Hopkin medicine Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2001).  

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, recommends you to seek immediate medical attention if you have persistent gastroesophageal reflux symptoms that are not getting better with over-the- counter medications or changes in your diet. Contact a doctor if you are experiencing vomiting in large amounts, “have vomit fluid that is green or yellow, looks like coffee grounds, or contains blood, have regular projectile, or forceful, vomiting, have problems breathing after vomiting, have pain in the mouth or throat when you eat, or have problems swallowing or painful swallowing (NIH, 2016)." 

References (APA Citation without URL):

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. (2016, February 10). Overview: Symptoms of GERD. Retrieved November 22, 2016.

Johns Hopkins medicine Gastroenterology & Hepatology. (2001). Gastroesophageal Reflux disease: Introduction. Retrieved November 22, 2016.

Mayo Clinic (2014). GERD tests and diagnosis. Mayoclinic. Retrieved November 22,2016.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2016, October 3). Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in adults. Retrieved November 22, 2016.