Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease | Symptoms and Causes 

A severe form of acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD is a frequent illness in which stomach content flows upward into the esophagus.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

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Everyone deals with acid reflux sometimes. It can be discomforting, but it doesn’t disrupt the day-to-day. Some people are unfortunate to experience these issues at a much higher frequency and intensity.  

This severe form of acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease; GERD for short.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a frequent illness in which stomach content flows upward into the esophagus. Reflux becomes a disease when it produces repeated or severe symptoms or harm. Reflux can harm the esophagus, throat, and respiratory tract. 


Symptoms of GERD 

  • A burning sensation in the chest, often called heartburn. Heartburn usually happens after eating and might be worse at night or while lying down. 
  • Backwash of food or sour liquid in the throat. 
  • Upper belly or chest pain. 
  • Trouble swallowing, called dysphagia. 
  • Sensation of a lump in the throat. 

If you have nighttime acid reflux, you may experience: 

  • An ongoing cough. 
  • Inflammation of the vocal cords, known as laryngitis. 
  • New or worsening asthma. 

Causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease 

When you eat, food travels from the throat to the stomach via the esophagus. A ring of muscle fibers in the lower esophagus keeps food that is consumed from traveling back up. These muscle fibers are known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).  
When this muscular ring fails to seal completely, stomach content can seep back into the esophagus. This is known as gastroesophageal reflux. Reflux can create symptoms. Harsh stomach acids can also cause damage to the esophageal lining.

When to see a doctor 

If you have discomfort in your chest, seek medical attention right away, especially if you are also experiencing shortness of breath, jaw, or arm pain. These may be signs of a heart attack. 

Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if you: 

  • Have severe or frequent GERD symptoms. 
  • Take nonprescription medicines for heartburn more than twice a week 

Om Clinical Trials is conducting clinical study for patient suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease 

If you are a resident from California and would like to contribute to advancing medical treatment for GERD you can apply for GERD 

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