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Pathophysiology of Gerd: What Is
It?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD is caused
by your esophagus becoming agitated by substances coming up
from your stomach, including stomach acid. This backing up
process of stomach substances is known as reflux. Your
esophagus is essentially a tube that connects you throat to
your stomach. Your stomach produces hydrochloric acid which
helps in digesting your food. The inner lining of the stomach
is protected from the acid by mucus which is secreted by the
stomach. The pathophysiology of GERD indicates that the inner
lining of your esophagus does not have the protection that is
found in the stomach and therefore the acid can cause harm to
your esophagus.
When the reflux occurs you feel a burning feeling in your
esophagus, however most people call this sensation heartburn
due to the esophagus being located behind your heart. For most
people the muscle ring located at the bottom of the esophagus
known as the lower esophageal sphincter stops the backing up of
acid into your esophagus. If it is functioning properly it
loosens up in order to allow food to pass down to your stomach
and then tightens up in order to prevent reflux from occurring.
The pathophysiology of GERD indicates that people who have GERD
have a condition where the lower esophageal sphincter loosens
up between swallows of food which allows the stomach acid to
travel up into your esophagus and create a burning
sensation.
Causes of GERD
Researchers who have investigated the pathophysiology of GERD
don’t know exactly why GERD occurs in people; however there are
numerous factors that researchers believe contribute to the
relaxing of the lower esophageal sphincter at the wrong times.
Diet consisting of fatty foods, garlic, onions, chocolate, and
caffeinated beverages contribute to the problem. Also, studies
of the pathophysiology of GERD have shown that foods which
contain acid such as tomatoes, citrus fruit, foods containing
mint flavorings and a variety of spicy foods are factors
causing GERD.
Researchers studying the pathophysiology of GERD indicate that
smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and even poor posture can
contribute to GERD. Medications such as calcium channel
blockers and theophylline are other contributors to GERD.
People who suffer from GERD should avoid eating large meals and
avoid eating just before they go to bed.
Pathophysiology of GERD – Hiatal Hernia
A Hiatal hernia occurs when the upper portion of the stomach
sticks out above the diaphragm. For most people the diaphragm
serves as a barrier to prevent stomach acid from traveling up
to the esophagus. A Hiatal hernia reduces the diaphragms
ability to prevent the acid from moving up to the
esophagus.
Symptoms of GERD
Symptoms of GERD include heartburn which can last in some
people for two hours, regurgitation of acid up into the throat
due to sleeping or people bending their body over. A bitter
taste is experienced in the mouth; some people with GERG
experience a dry cough and a tightening feeling in the throat.
Although the pathophysiology of GERD is still being studied,
see your doctor because there is help available for
GERD.
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