acid reflux

@medical_axiom_foff 🔴Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common condition in which stomach contents back up into the esophagus, causing uncomfortable symptoms. The esophagus is the muscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. In the stomach, acid is produced to help digest food. If acidic stomach content reaches the esophagus, it can cause long-standing and troublesome symptoms or specific complications, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is one of the most common diseases, and it is estimated that approximately 20% of the adult population in the Western world experiences GERD. Causes of GERD Patients with GERD have an ineffective valve mechanism between the esophagus and stomach (lower esophageal sphincter), which otherwise prevents stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus. GERD occurs more frequently if a part of the stomach is pushed up into the thoracic cavity, a condition called a hiatal hernia. Risk factors for developing GERD are obesity, tobacco smoking, a