Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Retrograde flow of gastric acid contents into the esophagus causing mucosal irritation
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
Retrosternal pyrosis (heartburn) exacerbated by lying down, acid regurgitation, dysphagia, globus sensation, and chronic cough.
Action
Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) or hiatus hernia permit hydrochloric acid and pepsin to erode stratified squamous epithelium.
Clinical notes
Long-term acid reflux poses risk for Barrett esophagus and adenocarcinoma. Treated with lifestyle modifications, PPIs, or laparoscopic fundoplication.