Diagram of gerd pain. Gastroesophageal reflux disease or gerd is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter les the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomachmany people including. The pain of a gallbladder attack also can spread to your chest. Montreal classification of gerd from vakil n et al. Gastroesophageal reflux disease gerd occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach esophagus.
Gerd is mild acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week or moderate to severe acid reflux that occurs at least once a. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. 10 of patients with gerd develop barretts esophagus a risk factor for cancer of the esophagus. Gerd a common problem an easy approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Gerd is characterized by symptoms andor tissue damage that results from repeated or prolonged exposure of the lining of the esophagus to contents from the stomach. Esophageal exposure to gastric refluxate is the primary determinant of disease severity. This backwash acid reflux can irritate the lining of your esophagus. The pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease gerd is complex and involves changes in reflux exposure epithelial resistance and visceral sensitivity.
Again if you are not sure seek medical attention immediately. Get immediate medical attention if you have any chest pain pressure or burning that doesnt go away even with medications and lifestyle changes. For more information about gerd please read the gerd article. The presence of symptoms with no evident tissue damage is referred to as non erosive gerd.
This exposure arises via compromise of the anti reflux. Am j gastroenterol 20061011900 20. Heartburn 80regurgitation 54abdominal pain 29cough 27dysphagia for solids 23hoarseness 21belching 15aspiration 14wheezing 7globus 4 12. Not everyone with gerd has heartburn but the primary symptoms of gerd are heartburn regurgitation and an acid taste in the mouth.
The gastric refluxate is a noxious material that injures the esophagus and elicits symptoms. The pain may shift to your shoulders neck or arms. These can also be signs of a heart attack.