gastric reflux disease, acid reflux disease, reflux

X-ray showing radiocontrast agent injected into the stomach entering

the esophagus due to severe reflux

Classification and external resources

Pronunciation

/gstrosfdil/ /riflks/[1][2][3]

Specialty

Gastroenterology

ICD-10

K21

ICD-9-CM

530.81

OMIM

109350

DiseasesDB

23596

MedlinePlus

000265

eMedicine

med/857 ped/1177radio/300

MeSH

D005764

[edit on Wikidata]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
and acid reflux, is a chronic condition of mucosal damage caused by stomach acid coming up from
the stomach into the esophagus.[4] Occasional reflux causes heartburn, but chronic reflux leads to
reflux esophagitis, GERD, and sometimes Barrett's esophagus.
GERD is usually caused by changes in the junction between the stomach and the esophagus, including
abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which normally holds the top of the stomach closed,
impaired expulsion of gastric reflux from the esophagus, or a hiatal hernia. These changes may be permanent
or temporary.
Treatment is typically via lifestyle changes and medications such as proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor
blockers or antacids with or without alginic acid.[5]Surgery may be an option in those who do not improve. In the
Western world between 10 and 20% of the population is affected. [5]
Contents
[hide]

1Signs and symptoms

1.1Adults

1.2Children

1.3Barrett's esophagus

2Causes

3Diagnosis

3.1Endoscopy

3.2Severity

3.3Differential diagnosis

4Treatment

4.1Lifestyle

4.2Medications

4.3Surgery

4.4Pregnancy

4.5Infants

4.6Overtreatment

5Epidemiology

6History

7Research

8References

9Further reading

10External links

Signs and symptoms

Definition
By Mayo Clinic Staf

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How heartburn and GERD occur

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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease.
GERD occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, stomach content, flows
back into your food pipe (esophagus). The backwash (reflux) irritates the lining
of your esophagus and causes GERD.
Both acid reflux and heartburn are common digestive conditions that many
people experience from time to time. When these signs and symptoms occur
at least twice each week or interfere with your daily life, or when your doctor
can see damage to your esophagus, you may be diagnosed with GERD.
Most people can manage the discomfort of GERD with lifestyle changes and
over-the-counter medications. But some people with GERD may need
stronger medications, or even surgery, to reduce symptoms.