Gastro-esophageal reflux disease
A condition in which the contents of the stomach are regurgitated back up the oesophagus. Most common symptom is that of heartburn, which is usually worse lying down or after eating. Complication is that it can increase the risk of developing oesophageal cancer. The cause of the condition is due to the oesophageal sphincter, which separates the oesophagus from the stomach, failing to function, and allowing food in the stomach to regurgitate. Some of the factors that can predispose someone developing the condition are; obesity, smoking, alcohol, coffee, and heavy meals. Lifestyle changes that addresses these predisposing factors can be beneficial but not all patients respond to such changes. Medications to reduces the acid in the stomach can help to relieve symptoms. Treatment would involve identifying and excluding the stressors, having regular small meals throughout the day,and addressing the ulceration that may have developed.
A condition in which the contents of the stomach are regurgitated back up the oesophagus. Most common symptom is that of heartburn, which is usually worse lying down or after eating. Complication is that it can increase the risk of developing oesophageal cancer. The cause of the condition is due to the oesophageal sphincter, which separates the oesophagus from the stomach, failing to function, and allowing food in the stomach to regurgitate. Some of the factors that can predispose someone developing the condition are; obesity, smoking, alcohol, coffee, and heavy meals. Lifestyle changes that addresses these predisposing factors can be beneficial but not all patients respond to such changes. Medications to reduces the acid in the stomach can help to relieve symptoms. Treatment would involve identifying and excluding the stressors, having regular small meals throughout the day,and addressing the ulceration that may have developed.
