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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Research Paper

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease There are a few diseases that is very commonly diagnosed, especially in the modern and developed countries of the world. One of these commonly diagnosed diseases is, gastroesophageal reflux disease. Within the last three decades the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease has increased by two-fold (Sonnenberg). There are multiple reasons and hypothesis why this disease is so prevalent especially in the wealthier countries of the world. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a digestive disorder that is usually caused by an abnormality in the lower esophageal sphincter allowing reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus (What Is GERD?). When this happens that esophagus will become sore, irritated, and inflamed. …show more content…

Most often gastroesophageal reflux occurs after eating food. It usually presents itself quite within a couple minutes after eating and the symptoms can last up to 2 hours (What Is GERD?). It happens when the lower esophageal sphincter is weakened and does not properly seal the stomach contents from getting into the esophagus (What Is GERD?). One of the most common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease is heartburn (Acid Reflux). About 60 million Americans get heartburn at least once a month (What Is GERD?). Many pregnant women will experience heartburn regularly. Heartburn refers to a burning pain that is located in the esophagus (Acid Reflux). It is quite common symptom that is experienced, yet not all people with gastroesophageal reflux disease will experience this. It can feel as if the throat is on fire because of the acid that is present. It causes much discomfort and pain. Some of the other symptoms that people with gastroesophageal disease will face is regurgitation of food or stomach acids, bitter taste in the mouth, and a tight feeling in the throat (Acid Reflux). Many of these symptoms are preventable if careful and restricting actions are …show more content…

Antacids are taken to neutralize the acid from the stomach (What is GERD?). It is important to note that antacids taken for long periods of time can harm the kidneys by a build up of magnesium in the body and an altered calciummetabolism (What is GERD?). Some other drugs that are also recommended by doctors are H2 blockers which inhibit acid secretion in the stomach. These include Zantac and Pepcid. It is very important to treat this disease because continual acid in the esophagus will lead to other even harmful diseases. If left untreated and acid reflux continues regularly, the patient is at risk for developing other various esophagus disorders such as, ulcers, Barret’s Disease, esophagitis, and esophageal adenocarcinoma (Sonnenberg). According to an article written by Ammon Sonnonberg and Heshem B. El-Serag, esophageal adenocarcinoma causes 2.5 deaths per million people. Often the symptoms of gastroesphageal reflux disease are a poor indicator to the severity of the disease and esophageal condition. A gastrointestinal endoscopy is usually performed to determine the condition of the esophagus (Sonnenberg). This can also be used to check the lower esophageal sphincter

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