OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX Meaning and
Definition
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Oesophageal reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), is a medical condition characterized by the backward flow of stomach acid and occasionally other stomach contents into the oesophagus. The oesophagus is a muscular tube that carries ingested food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach.
In a healthy individual, a ring-like muscle known as the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) acts as a barrier, preventing the stomach acid from re-entering the oesophagus. However, in oesophageal reflux, this sphincter becomes weakened or relaxed, allowing the acid to flow upwards, leading to various symptoms.
The main symptom of oesophageal reflux is heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest or throat. Other symptoms may include regurgitation, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, coughing, hoarseness, and wheezing. If left untreated, oesophageal reflux can cause complications such as ulcers, strictures (narrowing of the oesophagus), and inflammation of the oesophagus, known as oesophagitis.
There are several factors that contribute to the development of oesophageal reflux, including obesity, poor diet, certain medications, smoking, pregnancy, and hiatal hernia. Treatment options for oesophageal reflux typically involve lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes, weight loss, and avoiding trigger foods, as well as medications that reduce the production of stomach acid.
In severe cases or when conservative measures fail, surgical interventions may be necessary to strengthen the lower oesophageal sphincter or repair any anatomical issues that contribute to reflux. Regular monitoring and management of oesophageal reflux are
Common Misspellings for OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX
- iesophageal reflux
- kesophageal reflux
- lesophageal reflux
- pesophageal reflux
- 0esophageal reflux
- 9esophageal reflux
- owsophageal reflux
- ossophageal reflux
- odsophageal reflux
- orsophageal reflux
- o4sophageal reflux
- o3sophageal reflux
- oeaophageal reflux
- oezophageal reflux
- oexophageal reflux
- oedophageal reflux
- oeeophageal reflux
- oewophageal reflux
- oesiphageal reflux
Etymology of OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX
The word "oesophageal reflux" is derived from two main components: "oesophageal" and "reflux".
1. Oesophageal: The term "oesophageal" refers to the esophagus, which is the muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach. The word itself comes from the Latin term "oesophagus", which, in turn, is derived from the Greek word "oisophagos". This Greek term is a combination of two words: "oisos", meaning "what is fitting or suitable", and "phagein", meaning "to eat". Thus, the term 'oesophagus' can be understood as the "tube for carrying food that is suitable for eating".
2. Reflux: The term "reflux" comes from the Latin word "refluxus", which means "flowing back" or "streaming back".
