Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD or Acid Reflux)
UT MIST has an experienced group of doctors ready to help with your acid reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which food refluxes (travels backwards) from the stomach to the esophagus (the swallowing pipe). This action can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. The symptoms can include belching, coughing, difficulty swallowing, nausea and vomiting, regurgitation, sore throat, hoarseness, and chest pain to name a few. In severe cases, the reflux may lead to damage of the lower part of the esophagus.
Symptoms of GERD Disease | Treatment for Gastro Reflux Disease | Benefits & Risks
While not completed understood, it is believed that in most patients Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by a problem with the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, a group of muscle fibers that exists at the lowest portion of the esophagus as it enters the stomach. It is thought that because this sphincter does not close completely, food and acid may reflux back from the stomach to the esophagus.