What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is not only a gastrointestinal disease, but also causes other systemic diseases if it is not treated in time. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refers to heartburn, acid reflux, food reflux and cardiac discomfort caused by excessive stomach and duodenal contents flowing back into esophagus. Some patients may have pathological damage of esophageal mucosa, accompanied by reflux esophagitis, and often feel retrosternal pain.

The typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease are heartburn, acid reflux, reflux and retrosternal pain. Heartburn is caused by the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, which leads to fever or burning sensation behind the lower end of the sternum and extends from the heart socket to the neck. Acid regurgitation refers to the return of acidic or slightly bitter liquid to the mouth; Refreshing refers to the uncomfortable feeling caused by the upward surge of stomach contents; Posterior sternal pain is caused by serious diseases and "acid" damage to esophageal mucosa. If the above four symptoms exist, the diagnosis can be basically made. However, the two most basic symptoms are heartburn and acid reflux, which often occur and last for a long time. Because heartburn and acid reflux may also be indigestion, gastritis, bile duct diseases and so on. We can't diagnose them only by these two symptoms. In addition, gastroesophageal reflux disease is often accompanied by some non-digestive symptoms, which can be used for reference. Such as hoarseness, foreign body sensation in pharynx, pharyngitis, chronic cough, sleep apnea at night, etc. If necessary, gastroscopy and esophageal function examination can be performed to help diagnosis.