Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which stomach contents flow back into the esophagus and cause troublesome symptoms or complications.

Lower esophageal sphincter: A ring of smooth muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach that helps prevent stomach contents from flowing backward. A weak or inappropriately relaxing sphincter permits reflux into the esophagus.
Proton pump inhibitor: A medication that suppresses stomach acid by inhibiting the gastric hydrogen-potassium ATPase pump. These drugs reduce the acidity of refluxate and are a common treatment.
Erosive esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus with visible breaks in its lining, commonly caused by reflux of stomach contents. It is a direct injury that can result from repeated acid exposure.
Functional heartburn: Persistent burning discomfort behind the breastbone without abnormal reflux burden or a clear structural cause. It can resemble GERD symptoms despite normal reflux testing and no response to acid suppression.
Gastroesophageal reflux: The backward movement of stomach contents into the esophagus, which can occur with or without disease. GERD develops when reflux causes troublesome symptoms or complications, not merely because reflux occurs.
Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation: A brief relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter unrelated to swallowing, often triggered by stomach distension. These relaxations are a major route by which reflux episodes occur.
H2-receptor antagonist: A medication that reduces gastric acid secretion by blocking histamine H2 receptors on parietal cells. This is an alternative or add-on acid-suppressing treatment for reflux symptoms.
Esophageal stricture: An abnormal narrowing of the esophagus that can make swallowing difficult. Chronic inflammation and healing can produce this reflux-related complication.
Achalasia: An esophageal movement disorder in which the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax and peristalsis is impaired. It can cause regurgitation and chest discomfort, but results from impaired swallowing rather than gastric reflux.
Heartburn: A burning sensation behind the breastbone, often rising from the upper abdomen toward the throat. It is the characteristic symptom commonly associated with GERD.

Linked from 38 pages