Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal ailment that occurs when stomach acid or bile runs back into the oesophagus, irritating and inflaming the lining. Heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, and swallowing are symptoms of persistent GERD.The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a circular muscle at the stomach-esophageal junction, causes GERD. The LES prevents stomach contents from entering the oesophagus. Stomach acid and bile may reflux into the oesophagus, producing irritation and inflammation.

GERD Risks several variables may raise the risk of getting GERD, including:
Obesity: Being overweight strains the stomach and LES, increasing reflux risk.
Hiatus hernia: When part of the stomach protrudes through the opening in the diaphragm into the chest cavity, acid refluxes into the oesophagus.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and abdominal pressure increase GERD risk.
Smoking: Smoking weakens the LES.
Alcohol and caffeine: Both relax the LES, increasing reflux risk.
Symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)Heartburn: chest pain after eating or lying down
Regurgitation: Stomach contents, including acid or bile, coming back up.
Chest discomfort: GERD may cause chest pain that mimics a heart attack.
Difficulty swallowing: GERD may make food feel trapped in the oesophagus.
Chronic cough: GERD can lead to a chronic cough, particularly during the night.
Hoarseness: Chronic esophageal inflammation may create a raspy voice.
Sore throat: stomach acid can irritate the soft tissue in the throat, causing a sore throat.
Asthma: Nighttime GERD might increase asthma symptoms.
Dental problems: Acid erosion and other dental issues can result from chronic acid exposure.
Nausea: After eating, GERD patients may feel sick.
Diagnosing of GERD:
Symptoms and medical history help diagnose GERD. Endoscopy may be used to diagnose the oesophagus. A probe put into the oesophagus to test acid levels may also diagnose GERD.
Complications and untreated or poorly controlled GERD may cause:
Esophagitis: Chronic stomach acid exposure irritates and inflames the oesophagus. Esophagitis scars and narrows the oesophagus, making swallowing difficult.
Barrett's oesophagus: Chronic stomach acid exposure may affect the cells of the oesophagus's lining. Barrett's oesophagus increases esophageal cancer risk.
Esophageal stricture: Inflammation and scarring constrict the oesophagus, making swallowing difficult.
Respiratory issues: GERD can worsen asthma, cause ongoing coughing and bronchitis, and increase pneumonia risk.
Dental issues: stomach acid erodes tooth enamel, causing cavities and other dental issues.
Ulcers: Acid in the stomach can harm the lining of the intestines and cause ulcers. Long-term, untreated GERD increases the risk of esophageal cancer.