Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) , causes?

What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic digestive disease where some of the acidic content of the stomach refluxes back into the esophagus. It can be temporary or last for a few months. GERD can affect both sexes at any age, but common for ages 50 and above. It is usually diagnosed clinically with the need for laboratory tests or investigations. It is a treatable condition.

GER and GERD

GER states for gastroesophageal reflux happens, while GERD is gastroesophageal reflux disease. GER occurs when the stomach acidic contents come back into the esophagus. It affects many people once in a while, and it usually causes no symptoms. Or, it may cause heartburn, that does not last long.

GERD is a chronic digestive condition where some of the acidic content of the stomach refluxes into the esophagus. It lasts long and can happen frequently. GERD is more severe and long-lasting condition compared to GER. In another words, GERD is a type of GER , that is severe, and with repeated attacks.

What are the causes?

GERD is a disease that occurs when the esophagus is affected by gastric acidic contents flowing backwards, resulting in damage to the esophageal tissue. GERD can also be present without esophageal damage. Reflux results in irritation of the esophagus. Thereby, it causes gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

There many Factors that result in GER , including the following:
– Overweight – obesity
– Pregnancy
– Smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke
– Some medicines can cause GERD or make it worse, including:
  benzodiazepines, sedatives that make you calmer or sleepy
  calcium channel blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure
  Some asthma medicines
  nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  tricyclic antidepressants
– Hiatal hernia can also increase the chance of getting GERD. It is a condition where the opening in the diaphragm lets the upper part of the stomach move up into your chest.

The real cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease – GERD

A study, published in JAMA – May 17, 2016, was about the real cause of GERD. It was announced that researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Dallas VA Medical Center may have found the real cause of GERD.

In that small study, 12 men with severe acid esophageal reflux were being successfully managed with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medications, researchers analyzed the changes to the esophageal tissues once medicines were stopped. They found that the damage to the tissues was NOT caused by the chemical exposure of the acid itself (as has long been assumed) but by an inflammatory response in the esophagus to the acid.

This means the conclusion is that acid reflux is not the real cause of GERD but rather, inflammation is the one.

How to know if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease?

GERD may present with different symptoms, of which the most common is heartburn. Other symptoms include: 
1- A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night
2- Chest pain
3- Difficulty swallowing
4- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
5- Sensation of a lump in your throat

Sources:
– https://aboutgerd.org/what-is/introduction-to-gerd/causes-of-gerd
– https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/symptoms-causes
– Esophageal Disease | JAMA | JAMA Network
– https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux