Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Research Paper

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a disease that affects the Digestive system in the body. “A sphincter at the inferior end of the esophagus called the gastroesophageal sphincter prevents the contents of the stomach from regurgitating into the esophagus” (Amerman pg.557). The normal homeostasis of the esophagus is when food is swallowed, the lower esophageal sphincter which is a circular band of muscle around the bottom part of the esophagus it relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into the stomach then closes again (GERD: A). GERD occurs with one problem such as the muscle not properly functioning. By researching the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, I will explain information on the disease such as the etiology, signs and symptoms, treatment options and prognosis. GERD can happen to people of all ages and is occurs for the same reason. It occurs when the gastroesophageal sphincter that allows food/ liquid in and out does not function properly. “This allows stomach contents to leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus and irritate it” (GERD). When the contents in the stomach leak into the esophagus it causes heartburn. The stomach acid then damage …show more content…
“Most people respond to lifestyle changes and medicines, others have to continue taking medications to control the symptoms” (Gastroesophageal). If the lining of the esophagus is severely damaged then it could cause cancer but it is usually caught and treated before it reaches that stage. Medications can be taken to reduce the acid in the stomach, but the medications would have to be long-term.
This disease is caused by a simple problem in the esophagus. It can lead to damage in the lining of the esophagus by the reflux which is the acid in the stomach and cause heartburn. There are ways to try to cure GERD by making lifestyle changes, medication and surgery. It is a disease that can happen to all different ages from infants to adults that have the same