Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when some of the stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation. It is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders, affecting 15% of the general population.

The main cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease is the dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring of muscle fibers that connects the stomach to the esophagus and prevents gastric fluids from rising. In addition to genetic factors, there are a number of environmental factors that can significantly increase the risk:

• Alcohol consumption.
• Smoking.
• Presence of hiatal hernia.
• Obesity and overweight.
• Pregnancy.
• Scleroderma, a disorder that causes the accumulation of fibrous tissue.
• Lying down immediately after eating.
• Habitual intake of fatty or sugary foods.

The most common symptoms are as follows:

• Burning sensation in the chest, usually more pronounced after eating and worsens when lying down
• Regurgitation of acids or sour liquids into the upper digestive tract
• Chest pain or upper abdominal pain
• Dysphagia, difficulty swallowing
• Sensation of a lump in the throat
• Chronic cough
• Laryngitis

The best way to prevent the onset of GERD and minimize its symptoms is to modify risk factors. This includes maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical exercise, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, reducing the intake of fatty foods (especially at night), not overusing certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and waiting a reasonable amount of time between eating and lying down.

Most affected individuals respond to lifestyle changes and medications.