What organ is primarily affected by GERD?

What organ is primarily affected by GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus produces frequent or severe symptoms that negatively affect the individual’s quality of life or result in damage to esophagus, pharynx, or the respiratory tract.

What does GERD do to the organs?

Doctors usually treat it with medicine. GERD can be a problem if it’s not treated because, over time, the reflux of stomach acid damages the tissue lining the esophagus, causing inflammation and pain. In adults, long-lasting, untreated GERD can lead to permanent damage of the esophagus.

Can acid reflux affect other parts of the body?

However, when acid reflux occurs frequently and is left untreated, it can lead to conditions such as esophagitis, ulcers, strictures, aspiration pneumonia, and Barrett’s esophagus. People who have frequent episodes of acid reflux are also at a slightly increased risk for developing esophageal cancer.

What is root cause of GERD?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) generally stems from just two underlying causes: those that have to do with reflux chemistry and those that stem from anatomical dysfunction. Chemical causes of GERD can include: fluids refluxed from the stomach irritating or damaging the esophagus.

Why have I suddenly started getting acid reflux?

One common cause of acid reflux disease is a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia, which can occur in people of any age. A hiatal hernia happens when the upper part of the stomach and LES (lower esophageal sphincter) move above the diaphragm. This is the muscle wall separating your stomach from your chest.

Where do you feel heartburn pain?

Heartburn typically feels like a burning in the center of your chest, behind your breastbone. When you have heartburn, you may also feel symptoms like: A burning feeling in your chest that can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Pain in your chest when you bend over or lay down.

Where does heartburn occur in the human body?

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach (esophagus).

When do you get heartburn do you have Gerd?

A person will feel heartburn when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, the pipe that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Heartburn is a symptom of GERD.

Why do I get heartburn in my stomach?

Heartburn is felt when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, the pipe that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Heartburn is a symptom of GERD. According to estimates from the American College of Gastroenterology, at least 15 million Americans experience heartburn every day.

What does it feel like when you have heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest that often occurs with a bitter taste in your throat or mouth. The symptoms of heartburn may get worse after you eat a large meal or when you’re lying down. In general, you can successfully treat the symptoms of heartburn at home.

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach (esophagus).

Why do I get heartburn when I have acid reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when the sphincter muscle at the lower end of your esophagus relaxes at the wrong time, allowing stomach acid to back up into your esophagus. This can cause heartburn and other signs and symptoms. Frequent or constant reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What are the signs and symptoms of heartburn?

Heartburn that is more frequent or interferes with your daily routine may be a symptom of a more serious condition that requires medical care. Symptoms of heartburn include: A burning pain in the chest that usually occurs after eating and may occur at night

How does acid reflux affect the esophagus?

If the esophageal sphincter isn’t working as well as it should, stomach acid is not effectively contained within the stomach. The acid will flow backward and irritate the esophagus, in a process known as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux.