How does gastroesophageal reflux occur

If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD is a long-term condition where acid from the stomach comes up into the esophagus. However, if an individual experiences persistent acid reflux that occurs more than twice a week, they may be diagnosed with GERD.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition where stomach acid persistently and regularly flows up into the esophagus. The esophagus may also be referred to as the food pipe or gullet and is the tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach. The acid in the esophagus causes heartburn and other symptoms, as well as possible tissue damage. The American College of Gastroenterology says that at least 15 million Americans, or 20 percent of the American population, experience heartburn every day.

Occasional acid reflux is quite common, often occurring as a result of overeating, lying down after eating, or eating particular foods. However, recurrent acid reflux, diagnosed as GERD, typically has other causes and risk factors and can have more serious complications. In short, GERD occurs when the sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus becomes weak, or opens when it should not. Hiatal hernia is a condition where an opening in the diaphragm lets the top of the stomach move up into the chest.

This content does not have an Arabic version. How heartburn and GERD occur Acid reflux occurs when the sphincter muscle at the lower end of your esophagus relaxes at the wrong time, allowing stomach acid to back up into your esophagus.

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Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Kahrilas PJ. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux in adults. Accessed Jan. Feldman M, et al. Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Philadelphia, Pa. Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD adult. Rochester, Minn. Schwaitzberg SD. Surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux in adults. Often, people who have GERD notice that they regularly have the pain of heartburn in the chest or stomach.

This can last up to a couple of hours. Many notice their heartburn is worse after eating. Regurgitation — when food and liquid containing stomach acid comes back up into the throat or mouth — is also a sign of GERD. But, like heartburn, occasional regurgitation is common for everyone. GERD happens when acidic stomach contents move backward into the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach.

It is separated from the stomach by a small muscle the esophageal sphincter. This muscle opens and lets food and liquid enter the stomach and closes to prevent the food and liquid from leaking back into the esophagus. No one knows for sure why people get GERD. Doctors do know that some things can make GERD worse, including obesity , drinking alcohol , and pregnancy. Some foods and medicines can make GERD symptoms worse.

In many people, these foods bring on symptoms:. Tell your parents and visit your doctor if you've had heartburn that doesn't seem to go away or any other symptoms of GERD for a while. The doctor will do an exam and ask about your symptoms. If the doctor suspects GERD, you might go see a pediatric gastroenterologist.

This is a doctor who treats kids and teens who have problems of the gastrointestinal system. By continuing to browse this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Review our cookies information for more details. Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD is a digestive disorder that occurs when acidic stomach juices, or food and fluids back up from the stomach into the esophagus. GERD affects people of all ages—from infants to older adults. People with asthma are at higher risk of developing GERD. Asthma flare-ups can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach contents to flow back, or reflux, into the esophagus.