Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or acid reflux, results when the lower esophageal sphincter (junction between the esophagus and the stomach) fails to close adequately after food has entered the stomach. The stomach contents can reflux (back up) into the lower portion of the esophagus. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) from the stomach contents can irritate the wall of the esophagus, thus resulting in a painful or burning sensation in the chest. Although it is unrelated to any cardiac problems, this burning sensation is called HEARTBURN because it is experienced in a region very near the heart.
Smoking and alcohol drinking may cause relaxation of the sphincter, thus worsening the problem.
Symptoms of GERD can often be controlled by avoiding or limiting intake of foods that stimulate stomach acid secretion such as fatty foods, coffee, onions, chocolate, peppermint, spearmint, consuming too much alcohol.
Eating hot and spicy foods do not cause GERD to happen. However, they can make the symptoms worse.
Some of the medications used such as Cimetidine, Ranitidine, and esomeprazole inhibits gastric acid secretion by certain cells in the stomach. Antacids neutralize acids already secreted in the stomach.
Resources: US Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Page Last Revised: May 21, 2010
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