Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Backflow of gastric contents through lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Causes of GERD

GERD has three primary causes:

• Inhibition of closure of the LES.
  • Caffeine lowers tone of LES.
  • Fatty foods.
  • Alcohol.
  • Smoking.
  • Laying on right side.
• Increase of intra-abdominal pressure.
  • Obesity.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Eating a very large meal.
• Incompetent LES.
  • Increases risk of reflux esophagitis.

Signs and Symptoms of GERD

• Often silent.
• May have frequent cough.
• Heart burn.
• Chest pain (may be confused with angina.
• Dysphagia.

Complications of GERD

• Esophageal strictures.
• Barrett esophagus.
• Pulmonary symptoms.