Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Alternative names:

GERD; peptic esophagitis; reflux esophagitis

Definition:

An inflammation of the esophagus resulting from regurgitation of gastric contents into the esophagus.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Gastroesophageal reflux is a normal condition that occurs during the waking hours, especially after meals. However, in symptomatic people, the reflux is related to an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter, a band of muscle fibers that closes off the esophagus from the stomach. Acidic or alkaline gastric contents return to the esophagus through the lower esophageal sphincter and cause the symptoms. Conditions associated with incompetent esophageal sphincters are pregnancy, hiatal hernia, obesity, recurrent or persistent vomiting, and nasogastric tubes. The risk factors include previous esophageal surgery, or esophageal stricture. The incidence is 5 out of 1,000 people.