An Overview of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is most commonly referred to as GERD, or acid reflux. It is a condition that affects nearly one third of the population at least once a month, and for many people they experience GERD at least once a week or more. It is not limited to adults as children and even infants are affected by GERD.
GERD is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. This liquid can inflame and damage the lining of the esophagus in some instances because this regurgitated liquid usually contains acid and pepsin that is produced by the stomach. It can also contain bile that has backed up from the first part of the small intestine that attaches to the stomach. GERD can turn into a chronic condition that can last throughout your lifetime, but there are some cases in which it can happen for a short period of time and then simply disappear. However, much more commonly you have GERD throughout your lifetime once you get it. Therefore once treatment has begun, you will usually have to continue it indefinitely.
Most people think that GERD is referring to heartburn, or that heartburn is a separate disease, when in fact, heartburn is a symptom of GERD. GERD is a relatively new term for conditions such as acid indigestion, heartburn, reflux, or hiatal hernia. This term came about because it describes the entire problem which is the reflux of the irritating stomach contents into the esophagus. Most people though have never heard of GERD and don't realize how incredibly serious it can be.
The reflux of a person's stomach liquid contents into the esophagus actually occurs in most people, but it is the fact that people with GERD have more acid in their liquid. This acid remains in the esophagus longer which is what causes the problems. However, for the most part, the body has ways to protect itself from the effects of the reflux and acid. Saliva and swallowing are two ways in which the body naturally protects itself from GERD. By swallowing you are pushing any refluxed liquid back into the stomach so that it doesn't harm the esophagus. Also, the salivary glands in the mouth that produces the saliva contain bicarbonate which means every time you swallow the bicarbonate neutralizes the small amount of acid that remains in the esophagus after swallowing has removed most of the liquid.
Protective mechanisms such gravity from being upright, or swallowing only work usually during the day when you are standing or sitting up. At night is when a lot of the reflux occurs that can really harm your esophagus. Since you are lying down you are more susceptible to acid remaining in the esophagus longer and causing greater damage.
The complications from GERD can be serious and can even include death. Most people though are limited to mild GERD but in rare cases it can cause esophagitis, difficulty swallowing, and even cancer.