Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach. Also known as heartburn, it is a common condition that features a burning pain in the lower chest area. It happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) weakens, allowing stomach acid to flow back up the esophagus, irritating the lining of the esophagus.
A common cause of this condition is a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia, which happens when the upper part of the stomach and LES (lower esophageal sphincter) move above the diaphragm. It can also be triggered by certain foods like spicy and fatty foods as well as conditions like anxiety, asthma and pregnancy.
If you experience acid reflex at night, you may experience:
GERD happens when acid gets past the valve at the bottom of your esophagus that usually keeps things from going back up, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
Your LES is a circular muscle that relaxes when you swallow and closes agin to keep substances from coming back up. It also relaxes when you burp or have hiccups. Acid reflux happens when the LES weakens or relaxes enough to let acid pass. Things like lying down after a large meal may temporarily relax your LES. However if you have GERD, it means your LES is relaxing often.
Some common causes of GERD includes hiatal hernia, which happens when the top of your stomach pushes up through the hole in your diaphragm, pregnancy, obesity, and smoking.
Factors that can increase your risk of GERD include:
Factors that worsen acid reflux include:
Here are some ways you can try to help manage acid reflux at home:
Barium Test
A Barium Test will be done to diagnose and detect a variety of abnormalities and problems in the digestive system.
Endoscopy
An endoscopy is done to investigate gastrointestinal disorders.
Esophageal manometry
An esophageal manometry test measures esophageal function and motility.
