GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX Meaning and
Definition
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Gastroesophageal reflux refers to a physiological condition where there is a backward flow of stomach acid and occasionally partially digested food from the stomach back into the esophagus. This condition occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular ring located between the esophagus and stomach, becomes weak or relaxed, allowing the contents of the stomach to regurgitate into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux is commonly abbreviated as GER or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) when it becomes a chronic and recurring condition.
GER may result in various symptoms, including heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest or throat, regurgitation of sour or bitter-tasting acid into the mouth, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), persistent cough, hoarseness, and a feeling of a lump in the throat. Additionally, some individuals with GER may experience nighttime symptoms like disturbed sleep or awakening with a sore throat.
Various factors can contribute to the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux, including obesity, pregnancy, smoking, certain medications, and the consumption of certain foods and beverages that relax the LES or increase stomach acid production. Treatment options for GER range from lifestyle modifications (such as dietary changes, weight loss, and avoiding specific triggering factors) to medications that can reduce stomach acid production or strengthen the LES. In severe cases, surgery may be considered to reinforce the LES or provide an alternative route for stomach acid drainage.
Common Misspellings for GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX
- gastroesophageal reflup
- gastroesophageal refluy
- gastrowsophagealreflux
- g astroesophageal reflux
- ga stroesophageal reflux
- gas troesophageal reflux
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- gastroesophageal r eflux
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- gastroesophageal refl ux
- gastroesophageal reflu x
Etymology of GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX
The word "gastroesophageal reflux" comes from the combination of three terms:
1. Gastro-: This prefix is derived from Ancient Greek and means "related to the stomach" or "pertaining to the stomach". It stems from the Greek word "gastḗr" meaning "stomach".
2. Esophag(eal) -: "Esophagus" is derived from the Latin term "oesophagus", which comes from the Greek word "oisophágos". It refers to the muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach, through which food passes.
3. Reflux: The term "reflux" originates from the Latin word "refluxus", which consists of "re-" meaning "back" and "fluxus" meaning "flow". Reflux typically describes the backward or return flow of a substance.
