Acid Reflux Acid Reflux or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when acidic liquid contents from stomach frequently back up into the food pipe from the stomach. This flow back can irritate the lining of the food pipe (esophagus) causing either injury of the esophagus lining(erosive esophagitis) or just inflammation (non erosive esophagitis) Mild GERD (acid reflux occurring only once a week) is quite common and may be managed with some lifestyle changes and mild over the counter medicines but severe GERD (Acid reflux once a day) may need stronger medications or in refractory situations even surgery to ease symptoms. WHEN TO CONSIDER GERD You should suspect GERD if you feel • A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night • Chest pain • Difficulty swallowing • Regurgitation of food or sour liquid • Sensation of a lump in your throat Patients with severe reflux or
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HE & SHE
of your esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into your stomach. Then the sphincter closes again. If the sphincter relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus. This constant backflow of acid irritates the linWHAT CAUSES ACID REFLUX GERD is caused by either a condition ing of your esophagus, often causing that causes increased acid output (ex- it to become inflamed which can subsequently develop erosions. cess refluxate volume) or when the junction of the food pipe and stomPREDISPOSING FACTORS ach has loose /weak muscle valve. Conditions that can increase your risk Acid reflux occurs when the LES of GERD include: doesn’t close properly or tightly enough. A faulty or weakened LES al- • Obesity • Hiatus hernia (Stomach bulges tolows digestive juices and stomach wards Esophagus because of weak contents to rise back up into the lower esophageal sphincter) esophagus. When you swallow, a circular band of • Pregnancy • Scleroderma muscle around • Delayed the bottom night time reflux may also complain of • Chronic cough • Laryngitis • New or worsening asthma • Disrupted sleep
DR SHANTI SWAROOP DHAR Consultant,Gastroenterology Max Hospital, Gurgaon & Max Multi Speciality Centre, Panchsheel Park, Delhi
