ACID
REFLUX : GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or GORD
using the British oesophageal) is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage
produced by the abnormal reflux in the esophagus. This
is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the
esophagus and the stomach. This can be due to incompetence of the cardia,
transient cardia relaxation, impaired expulsion of gastric reflux from the
esophagus, or a hiatus hernia.
Adults
Heartburn is the
major symptom of acid in the esophagus, characterized by burning discomfort
behind the breastbone (sternum). Findings in GERD include esophagitis (reflux
esophagitis) inflammatory changes in the esophageal lining (mucosa), strictures,
difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and chronic chest pain. Patients may have
only one of those symptoms. Typical GERD symptoms include cough, hoarseness,
voice changes, chronic ear ache, burning chest pains, nausea or sinusitis.
GERD complications include stricture formation, Barrett's esophagus, esophageal
spasms, esophageal ulcers, and possibly even lead to esophageal cancer, especially
in adults over 60 years old.Occasional
heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Patients with
heartburn symptoms more than once a week are at risk of developing GERD. A
hiatal hernia is usually asymptomatic, but the presence of a hiatal hernia
is a risk factor for developing GERD.
Children
GERD may be difficult to detect in infants and children. Symptoms may vary
from typical adult symptoms. GERD in children may cause repeated vomiting,
effortless spitting up, coughing, and other respiratory problems. Inconsolable
crying, failure to gain adequate weight, refusing food, bad breath, and belching
or burping are also common. Children may have one symptom or many - no single
symptom is universal in all children with GERD.It is estimated that of the
approximately 4 million babies born in the U.S. each year, up to 35% of them
may have difficulties with reflux in the first few months of their life. Most
of those children will outgrow their reflux by their first birthday. However,
a small but significant number of them will not outgrow the condition.Babies'
immature digestive systems are usually the cause, and most infants stop having
acid reflux by the time they reach their first birthday. Some children do
not outgrow acid reflux, however, and continue to have it into their teen
years. Children who have had heartburn that does not seem to go away, or any
other GERD symptoms for a while, should talk to their parents and visit their
doctor.(1)
source
(1) wikipedia