Hi, need to submit a 1000 words essay on the topic Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).The tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach is known as esophagus. At the bottom of the esophagus

Hi, need to submit a 1000 words essay on the topic Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach is known as esophagus. At the bottom of the esophagus, there is a ring of muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This ring of muscle acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach.

Food and fluid can be tasted in the back of the mouth with the occurring of acid reflux. Heart burn or acid indigestion is a result of the burning sensation in the chest or the throat. This happens when the refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus. GER is something which happens occasionally. However, this does not mean that one has GERD. Reflux that occurs more than twice a week, which means that reflux which is persistent is considered to be GERD. This can often lead to serious health problems. People of all ages can be a victim of GERD (National Digestive Diseases n.p).

If GERD cannot be treated, it can be a problem. This is because over the period, the tissue lining is damaged by the reflux of stomach acid, hence, causing inflammation and pain. In the elderly, untreated GERD, which is long lasting, may often result in permanent damage of the esophagus and might cause cancer sometimes (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease n.p).

Acid indigestion- frequent heartburn is the main symptom of GERD in adults. There is a burning type of pain in the lower part of the mid-chest, behind the breastbone and in the mid-abdomen. Some people may have GERD without having heartburn. This usually includes in children below the age of 12 and some adults. They may instead experience a dry cough, asthma symptoms, or trouble in swallowing (National Digestive Diseases n.p).

Some other symptoms may include laryngitis, nausea, sore throat, hoarseness. The acid reflux can enter the throat (pharynx), if it gets past the upper esophageal sphincter. This might affect the voice box also causing hoarseness. Other symptoms may include bad breath, ear aches, feeling a lump in your throat, or the sudden increase of