|
Health Conditions
|
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
What causes it?
The esophagus is the passageway ("food pipe") that carries swallowed food
to the stomach. GERD occurs when the muscular valve between the esophagus and
the stomach does not function properly, causing acid to back up into the
esophagus. The acid can then cause inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis).
GERD can cause:
- internal bleeding
-
esophageal ulcers
Chronic GERD can result in:
-
narrowing of the esophagus from chronic scarring, making it difficult to
completely swallow
-
a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, which sometimes leads
to esophageal cancer
|
Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.
|
|
What causes it?
