Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth, and this is called acid indigestion. Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems.Heartburn is the pain caused by the splashing up of fluids from the stomach into the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach). The stomach secretes fluid made of hydrochloric acid, an enzyme called pepsin, and sometimes bile (which is created in the liver). Stomach fluid helps digest the food we eat. The hydrochloric acid in stomach fluid helps prevent bacteria from growing in the stomach and intestines. It also helps with vitamin and nutrient absorption. Hydrochloric acid is very strong and corrosive. However, the stomach has a special lining that protects it from the acid and other stomach fluids.3,4
The end of the esophagus (where it connects to the stomach) is actually a circular band of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (or LES). The LES is the stomach’s gatekeeper, using pressure to open and close. When food travels from the mouth down through the esophagus, the LES opens, allowing food to enter the stomach. When the LES narrows and closes, it keeps food from leaving the stomach and going back up the esophagus.3
Sometimes, the LES opens at the wrong time. When this happens, hydrochloric acid and other stomach fluids splash up into the esophagus. While the stomach has a special lining to protect it from the hydrochloric acid, the esophagus does not. As the stomach fluid enters the esophagus
2006-07-29 11:59:48
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answer #1
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answered by purple 6
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You have a bug. You should have started puking by now. Don't fight it, you'll want to get that stuff out and the stomach won't allow it to go through. Sorry man, I've had this like 3 times and it aint pretty. Puke though, and you'll be ok.
2006-07-29 18:58:37
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answer #2
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answered by m-t-nest 4
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It sounds like it is Gaestro (Spelling?) Maybe ask you local chemist for some medicine for it.
2006-07-29 18:57:18
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answer #3
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answered by zach_charge 1
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Run to the doctor right away. Your full of ??????? Hurry. Hurry
2006-07-29 18:57:50
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answer #4
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answered by Windwispers 4
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