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GERD
Almost 30 to 40% of the population experiences occasional heartburn. Many believe that these are just bothersome symptoms.
But frequent heartburn may indicate a disease called GERD, Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease.
The gastro intestinal system includes: esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter, stomach containing gastric juice, pyloric sphincter, and duodenum.
The food swallowed enters through the esophagus into the stomach where it is digested by acid secretions present in the gastric juices.
The lower esophageal sphincter prevents the return of the gastric juice back to the esophagus.
Abnormal functioning of lower esophageal sphincter causes GERD. This results in backflow of the gastric contents to the esophagus and damages it.
Symptoms of GERD are
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Feeling of lump in throat.
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