GERD / Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as reflux, is a condition affecting the lower esophageal sphincter, which is responsible for preventing stomach contents from returning to the esophagus. The severity of the disease is determined by the degree of functional impairment, the type of fluids that reflux from the stomach to the esophagus, and the neutralizing effect of saliva.

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When the digestive process is normal, as food travels down the esophagus to the stomach, the lower esophageal sphincter opens to allow food into the stomach and closes immediately afterward to prevent the contents of the stomach from flowing back up into the esophagus. Various processes in the body can cause the sphincter to weaken and relax, resulting in the return of food, with or without stomach acids or bile, from the stomach into the esophagus. These processes irritate the lining of the esophagus and lead to GERD.

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The main symptoms of GERD are GERD (Reflux) and heartburn. Both are digestive tract conditions in their own right and are commonly experienced temporarily by most people. If these symptoms occur more than twice a week or disrupt daily routine, they are often diagnosed as GERD.

A persistent state in which stomach acids reflux into the esophagus may irritate the esophageal tissues and cause them to become inflamed (esophagitis).
Chronic inflammation of the esophagus can lead to complications such as esophageal ulcer (stomach acids can severely erode the esophageal tissues and cause open sores - ulcers). These ulcers may bleed, cause pain and difficulty swallowing.

Or Barrett's esophagus - a condition in which the color and texture of the esophageal tissue change. These changes increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. In such a case, the physician may recommend a gastroscopy.

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To diagnose whether you have GERD, the physician may recommend tests such as:

Upper gastrointestinal X-ray - sometimes referred to as a barium swallow. In this test, you drink a liquid that coats and fills the spaces within the digestive tract.
Afterwards, an X-ray of the upper digestive tract is performed. Because of the liquid you drank, the physician can see the shape of the upper digestive tract.