Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as the chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal rebound of corrosive gastric contents of the stomach, into the oesophagus. This is commonly due to temporary or permanent changes in the barrier between the oesophagus and the stomach. This could be due to the incompetence of the LES relaxation, impaired expulsion of gastric reflux from the esophagus, or association with a hiatal hernia.
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus that acts like a valve between the oesophagus and the stomach. The LES allows foods eaten to enter into the stomach area. However, the LES functions in such a way that it does not allow the contents in the stomach to move back into the oesophagus.
But due to bad eating habits, fast-paced lifestyle, habits such as smoking and drinking habits, bad posture, sleeping immedietly after eating, and lack of exercise, the LES gets weakened. Consequently, it cannot withstand the corrosive juices and acids from the stomach from entering the oesphagus. The sensitive inner lining of the oesphagus is affected by these juices, thus causing irritability in the food pipe. When these symptoms are prolonged, they become chronic thus causing Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
One of the most obvious symptoms of GERD is called, Heartburn. This symptom is often characterized by a burning sensation behind the sternum, or what is commonly known as the breastbone. When the refluxed stomach acids touch the sensitive lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth, and this is called acid indigestion. Occasional heartburn is common and this does not mean one has GERD. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered as GERD, and it can eventually lead to serious health issues. Hence, if acid indegestion happens more than twice a week, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Apart from that, some of the common GERB symptoms include a condition called, reflux esophagitis, or just esophagitis. This condition is defined by inflammatory changes in the esophageal lining (mucosa). Other symptoms include Dysphagia, which is a condition where one might have difficulty swallowing. Finally, chronic chest pain is also a big symptom. People suffering from this disease could be exhibiting one or all of these symptoms.
Some of the common ways to suspect GERD is also to consult the doctor for typical symptoms of GERD that includes dry cough, hoarseness, voice changes, chronic earache, acute sharp chest pains, or sinusitis. GERD could also get complicated when gone unnoticed. When this happens conditions such as stricture formation, Barrett's esophagus, esophageal ulcers, and probably even esophageal cancer could be on the cards.