Gastroesophageal reflux
disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that affects the lower
esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle between the esophagus and
stomach. Many people, including pregnant women, suffer from heartburn
or acid indigestion caused by GERD. Doctors believe that some people
suffer from GERD due to a condition called hiatal hernia. In most cases,
GERD can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes; however, some people may require medication or surgery.
Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus. Reflux means to
flow back or return. Therefore, gastroesophageal reflux is the return of
the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus.
Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of GERD and usually feels like a burning chest pain beginning behind the breastbone and moving upward to the neck and throat. Many people say it feels like food is coming back into the mouth leaving an acid or bitter taste.
Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of GERD and usually feels like a burning chest pain beginning behind the breastbone and moving upward to the neck and throat. Many people say it feels like food is coming back into the mouth leaving an acid or bitter taste.
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