Smart Guidance

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder which refers to the upward movement of stomach content into esophagus, caused by the less functionality of lower esophageal sphincter. The food passes from the esophagus into the stomach and the lower esophageal sphincter prevents its backward flow. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak and cannot prevent the upward flow of the stomach acid or food content. The backward flow of acid or stomach content causes irritation and sometimes inflammation of the esophageal lining which is termed as heartburn. The major risk factors for GERD are obesity, slow stomach emptying, pregnancy, and hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia is a bulging-up of the stomach which is thought to have a contribution in casing the weakness of lower esophageal sphincter. Associated Signs and Symptoms GERD is a digestive complication in which irritation of esophageal wall occurs with acid reflux from the stomach due to weakening lowe...