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GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux or reflux of nonacidic content from the stomach. When you swallow, a circular band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into the stomach. Then the sphincter closes again.
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach (esophagus). Typically, when food is swallowed, a band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into the stomach. Then the muscle tightens again.
A healthcare professional might be able to diagnose GERD based on a history of symptoms and a physical examination. To confirm a diagnosis of GERD, or to check for complications, a care professional might recommend: Upper endoscopy. An upper endoscopy uses a tiny camera on the end of a flexible tube to visually examine the upper digestive system.
Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can sometimes cause excessive belching by promoting increased swallowing. Belching often also may be related to inflammation of the stomach lining or to an infection with Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium responsible for some stomach ulcers.
Most small hiatal hernias cause no symptoms. But larger hiatal hernias can cause: Heartburn. Backward flow of swallowed food or liquids into the mouth, called regurgitation. Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, called acid reflux. Trouble swallowing. Chest or abdominal pain. Feeling full soon after you eat. Shortness of breath.
To determine if your heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), your doctor may recommend: X-ray, to view the shape and condition of your esophagus and stomach. Endoscopy, to view your esophagus with a tiny camera to check for irregularities.
A chronic cough is a cough that lasts eight weeks or longer in adults, or four weeks in children. A chronic cough is more than just annoying. It can interrupt your sleep and leave you feeling very tired. Severe cases of chronic cough can cause vomiting and lightheadedness, and even break a rib.
Indigestion — also called dyspepsia or an upset stomach — is discomfort in your upper abdomen. Indigestion describes certain symptoms, such as belly pain and a feeling of fullness soon after you start eating, rather than a specific disease. Indigestion can also be a symptom of other digestive disorders.
Gastric reflux may lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a potentially serious problem that causes irritation and inflammation of esophageal tissue. Unlike gastric acid reflux, bile reflux can't be completely controlled by changes in diet or lifestyle.
Damaged esophageal tissue can lead to difficulty swallowing or cause food to get stuck when you swallow. Eosinophilic esophagitis has been identified only since the early '90s, but is now considered a major cause of digestive system illness.