digestive disorders
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Symptoms of GERD
Heartburn (a burning pain behind the breastbone) is the most obvious symptom of gastroesophageal reflux. Heartburn may be accompanied by Regurgitation and Rumination , in which the stomach contents reach the mouth. If stomach contents reach the mouth, they sometimes cause sore throat, hoarseness, cough, or a sensation of a Prolonged exposure of the lower part of the esophagus to repeated reflux may cause Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) Ulcers (disruptions of the inner surface) of the esophagus (erosive esophagitis) Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture) Changes to the cells lining the esophagus (Barrett esophagus) Abnormal cells in the esophagus that may become cancerous (see Esophageal Cancer ) Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis or erosive esophagitis) causes symptoms typical of gastroesophageal reflux disease but perhaps more severe. It also may cause pain with swallowing (odynophagia). Some people have bleeding that is usually slight but can be massive. The blood may be vomited up or may pass through the digestive tract, resulting in the passage of dark, tarry stools (melena) or bright red blood, if the bleeding is heavy enough. Mild bleeding over a long period of time can cause Iron Deficiency Anemia . Esophageal ulcers are open sores on the inner lining of the esophagus, a type of disruption of that surface. They can cause chest pain upon swallowing that is usually located behind the breastbone or just below it, similar to the location of heartburn. Narrowing (stricture) of the esophagus caused by reflux makes swallowing solid foods increasingly more difficult. Prolonged irritation causes the cells lining the esophagus to change, which results in a condition called Barrett esophagus. Changes may occur without symptoms. These abnormal cells are precancerous and can sometimes progress to cancer. 