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What is GERD?
Food is brought through
the chest from the mouth to the stomach by a tube called the
esophagus. Between the end of the esophagus and stomach there
is a muscular valve called a sphincter. This valve prevents
stomach contents (food, acid, etc.) from going back into the
esophagus. When acid from the stomach gets into the esophagus
and causes symptoms or medical problems, it is known as gastroesophageal
Reflux disease.
Symptoms
Heart Burn usually 30-60 minutes after
eating
Heart Burn after lying down or sleeping
Relief of symptoms from antacids
Chronic dry cough or wheezing
Chest pain (not associated with exercise)
Cause
Reflux symptoms occur because:
1) the esophageal sphincter is not working properly and acid
Refluxes ("backs up") into the esophagus.
2) acid that gets Refluxed into the esophagus is not neutralized.
3) stomach contents are not emptying properly and things "back
upward" to the esophagus.
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