Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)[1] is a chronic medical problem involving the part of the body which runs from the mouth to the stomach.[2]
The problem exists when stomach contents move backwards towards the mouth. Food or liquid moves from the stomach into the tube between the mouth and the stomach. That tube is called the oesophagus.[3]
The burning sensation is commonly called "heartburn," but it has nothing to do with the heart.[4]
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Media
Severe tooth erosion in GERD.
A comparison of a healthy condition to GERD
Endoscopic image of peptic stricture, or narrowing of the esophagus near the junction with the stomach: This is a complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease and can be a cause of dysphagia or difficulty swallowing.
References
- ↑ GERD is an acronym for "GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease."
- ↑ GERD is also called "Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) or "gastric reflux disease" or "acid reflux disease". GERD and GORD are different spelling acronyms for the same thing.
- ↑ PubMed Health, "Gastroesophageal reflux disease ... GERD," August 11, 2011; retrieved 2012-1-26.
- ↑ WebMD, "Heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)"; retrieved 2012-1-27.