Acid-Reflux occurs when your stomach acid goes back into your esophagus. It may cause heart burn and ultimately corrode the mucosal lining of the esophagus. This erosion of the lining may land up in inflammation and other complications like bleeding and swallowing problems. GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) is when a person suffers from chronic acid reflux.
Causes:
- Obesity
- Hiatal hernia
- Pregnancy
- Dry mouth
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Connective tissue disorder (scleroderma)
Symptoms:
- Burning sensation in the chest extending to throat
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Pain in the chest
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Sensation as if there is a lump in the throat
- Hoarseness of voice
- Dry cough
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
Tests:
- Upper Endoscopy: This procedure will let your doctor see the inner lining of the esophagus and stomach and detect any damage due to GERD.
- Biopsy: Biopsy can be done to detect the amount of damage to the lining of the esophagus.
- pH Testing: It measures the acid in the esophagus and can be done by either attaching a small sensor to the esophagus at the time of endoscopy.
- Esophageal Motility Test: This test measures the movements and pressure in your esophagus.
Statistics:
Almost 20% of the population of US is suffering from GERD.