Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a disease that develops when the inner lining of the oesophagus is exposed to the refluxed gastro-duodenal contents for a prolonged time. There are various factors associated with this prolonged exposure that include: - Lower oesophageal sphincter abnormalities - Hiatus hernia - Obesity and Diet - Delayed gastric emptying The patient usually presents with symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation, waterbrash, waking at night due to chocking sensation, odynophagia, dysphagia, hoarseness, recurrent chest infections, chronic cough and e.t.c. Text Reference: Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 23rd Edition, Page No. 791, 792. Image Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14085#what-is-GERD