Gastroesophageal Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux refers to the recovery of part of the stomach contents into the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach). The stomach produces very acidic substances (gastric juices) that help digest food. However, the lining of the esophagus is not designed to withstand the acidity of the stomach contents. Reflux therefore leads to inflammation of the esophagus, which results in a burning sensation and irritation. Over time, this can result in damage to the esophagus.In everyday language, we often talk about heartburn to describe gastroesophageal reflux.

Causes

For most people, reflux originates malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter. This sphincter is a muscular ring at the junction of the esophagus and stomach. Normally, it prevents the contents of the stomach up into the esophagus, which opens only to let the ingested food and so acting as a protective valve. In case of reflux, the sphincter opens at the wrong times and allowed to rise gastric juices of the stomach. People who suffer from reflux often have acid indigestion after a meal or overnight. This regurgitation phenomenon is very common in infants, because the sphincter is immature.Gastroesophageal reflux can also be linked to a hiatal hernia. In this case, the portion of the stomach situated at the junction of the esophagus "back" into the chest cavity through the orifice of the diaphragm, which leaves normally pass the esophagus (the hiatus). However, these two diseases are not synonymous, and hiatal hernia is not always associated with reflux.PrevalenceIn Canada, an estimated 10-30% of the population would be exposed by occasional episodes of gastroesophageal reflux oesophagien7.Regurgitation are extremely common in infants, but they are not always attributable to GERD. Experts estimate that 25% of infants have a real reflux8. It reaches its peak around the age of 4 months9.EvolutionIn the majority of adults, Reflux symptoms are chronic and appear in recurrences. The treatments usually offer complete relief but temporary symptoms. They do not cure the disease.In infants, reflux usually disappears between 6 and 12 months when the child grows.ComplicationsProlonged exposure of the esophagus to gastric acid substances can cause:

    severe inflammation and lesions of the esophagus (esophagitis), especially in the elderly;
    ulcers (or wound) on the wall of the esophagus;
    this inflammation can cause ulcers or bleeding;
    a narrowing of the esophagus (peptic stricture), which causes difficulty swallowing and pain during swallowing;
    Barrett's esophagus. This is the replacement of cells in the lining of the esophagus by cells which normally operate in the intestine. This replacement is due to "attacks" repeated stomach acid into the esophagus. It is not associated with any particular symptom, but may be detected by endoscopy because the normal pinkish-gray color of the esophageal tissue takes an inflamed salmon pink color. Barrett's esophagus exposed to the risk of ulcers and, above all, esophagus cancer.There is also an association with complications distance10:

    Laryngeal gastroesophageal reflux resulting in chronic cough, hoarseness
    laryngospasm
    laryngeal cancer

In one of the situations below, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

    A burning sensation and acid regurgitation several times a week.
    Reflux symptoms disturb sleep.
    The symptoms return rapidly when you stop taking antacid medications.
    Symptoms last for over a year and have never been evaluated by a physician.
    There are alarming symptoms (see symptoms of the heartburn).

Source: Internet
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