{"id":6343,"date":"2017-12-14T13:08:25","date_gmt":"2017-12-14T18:08:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joinastudy.ca\/?p=6343"},"modified":"2018-08-09T14:02:54","modified_gmt":"2018-08-09T18:02:54","slug":"gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-about","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joinastudy.ca\/fr\/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-about\/","title":{"rendered":"Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Causes, Symptoms and Treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition that involves the stomach and the esophagus.<\/p>\n

The lower esophageal sphincter is a circle-shaped band of muscle. During normal digestion, it opens so that food can enter the stomach and closes to ensure that food and stomach acid don’t return to the esophagus.<\/p>\n

Gastroesophageal reflux<\/a> occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter is loose or weak and contents from the stomach flow back into the esophagus.<\/p>\n

This reflux or backwash often contains stomach acid. Over time, the acid can cause damage to the lining of the esophagus, which can lead to more serious conditions.<\/p>\n

It’s normal to experience digestive issues such as acid reflux or heartburn from time to time\u2014that doesn’t necessarily mean you have GERD.<\/p>\n

Doctors typically diagnose GERD when acid reflux or heartburn appear more than twice per week<\/a>, or when these symptoms start to interfere with day-to-day life.<\/p>\n

Most of the time, GERD is managed through over-the-counter medications, in addition to diet and lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n

But in more severe cases, prescription medication and even surgery<\/a> might be necessary to reduce symptoms of GERD and prevent the degeneration of the esophagus.<\/p>\n

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What is the Role of a Hiatal Hernia in GERD?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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A hiatal hernia<\/a> is a condition that occurs when the uppermost part of the stomach moves up and through a small gap in the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen.<\/p>\n

Some recent studies have shown that the opening in the diaphragm acts as a support for the lower part of the esophagus.<\/p>\n

Some doctors believe a hiatal hernia may weaken the lower esophageal sphincter and increase the risk for gastroesophageal reflux. Still, that doesn’t mean everyone who has a hiatal hernia will experience heartburn and acid reflux. However, a hiatal hernia may make it easier for the contents of the stomach to pass into the esophagus.<\/p>\n

Hiatal hernias can be caused by straining, vomiting, coughing, sudden physical exertion causing pressure in the abdomen, and conditions such as obesity and pregnancy.<\/p>\n

Indeed, among otherwise healthy people over the age of 50, minor hiatal hernias are common<\/a>. Though this condition is often associated with middle-age, it can happen to anyone.<\/p>\n

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GERD – Other Causes\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While frequent acid reflux may be caused by hiatal hernias, other factors can also contribute. For instance, certain dietary and lifestyle factors can trigger heartburn and acid reflux<\/a>.<\/p>\n

These include consumption of coffee, fried foods, fatty foods, peppermint, chocolate, and alcoholic beverages. Eating large meals, and eating late at night can also contribute to the problem.<\/p>\n

Cigarette smoking also plays a role, as it relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter. In some cases, pregnancy and obesity can also lead to more frequent acid reflux, as can some medications.<\/p>\n

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Symptoms of GERD<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Signs and <\/a>symptoms<\/a> of gastroesophageal reflux disease include:<\/p>\n