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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