Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Essay

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease that happens when stomach acid, or even bile back flows (refluxes) into the food pipe, which is called the esophagus. The flow back of acid irritates the lining of the esophagus and results in signs and symptoms of GERD (Mayo Clinic, 2014).

Signs and Symptoms of GERD includes:

Signs and symptoms of GERD includes but not limited to, heartburn- A burning sensation in your chest which often sometimes radiate to the throat, hoarseness or sore throat, Acid reflux -regurgitation of food or sour liquid, and a lump in the throat sensation (Mayo Clinic, 2014).

Cause of GERD

GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux — the backup of stomach acid or bile

When over the counter medications is not effective other treatments such as prescribe medications and possible surgical interventions maybe be recommended.

Gastritis

Gastritis refers to conditions in which inflammation of the lining of the stomach occurs. Gastritis is often a result of infection with bacterium that causes most stomach ulcers, injury to the stomach, and regular use of certain pain relievers or drinking too much alcohol. There can be a sudden onset (acute gastritis) or it can occur slowly over time (chronic gastritis) (Mayo Clinic, 2014).

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of gastritis includes indigestion- burning ache or pain in the upper abdomen, nausea/ vomiting, a sensation of fullness in the upper abdomen after a meal, at times there are no signs or symptoms ( Mayo Clinic, 2014).

Causes

Gastritis develops because the stomach's protective layer is weakened or damaged. In the stomach there is a mucus-lined barrier that protects the wall of the stomach from the acids that help digest food, when this barrier becomes weaken the barrier allows the digestive juices to damage and inflame the stomach lining. There are also diseases and conditions that can weaken or damage the stomach protective barrier, increasing the risk of gastritis (Mayo Clinic,

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of peptic ulcer includes a burning pain that is felt from the navel up to the breastbone that is often worst when the stomach is empty and mostly flares up at night and is temporarily relieved by eating or taking antacids. Other signs and symptoms includes vomiting of blood — which may appear red or black, dark blood in stools or stools that are black or tarry, and nausea or vomiting ( Mayo Clinic, 2014).

Causes

Peptic ulcers happen as a result of the acid in the digestive tract eating away at the mucous layer that normally protects against acid, which is the inner surface of the esophagus, stomach or small intestine. The acid then creates a painful open sore that may bleed. Also if there is an increase in stomach acid and a decrease in the amount of mucous, peptic ulcers may develops. Things that may cause the mucous to be compromise includes Helicobacter pylori bacteria and Regular use of certain medications and pain relievers (Mayo Clinic, 2014).

Risk Factors

Risk factors for peptic ulcers includes smoking and drinking