What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)? This video covers the medical definition and provides a brief overview of this topic.
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➡️ Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a chronic digestive disorder where stomach acid or bile flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort.

➡️ Primary Causes
The primary cause of GERD is a malfunction in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a circular muscle band that separates the esophagus from the stomach. Under normal circumstances, the LES acts as a one-way valve, allowing food to pass into the stomach but preventing stomach contents from flowing back up. However, in individuals with GERD, the LES is weak or relaxes inappropriately, allowing the backflow of stomach contents. The exact reason why the LES becomes weak or dysfunctions is not entirely understood, but several factors contribute to this condition.

➡️ Other Causes
One significant factor is a hiatal hernia, where a part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm, weakening the LES and facilitating acid reflux. Other contributing factors include obesity, which increases abdominal pressure, pushing stomach contents up into the esophagus. Eating large meals or lying down right after a meal can also exacerbate GERD symptoms by putting additional pressure on the LES. Lifestyle choices and dietary habits play a crucial role in the development and exacerbation of GERD. Consuming foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux, such as fatty or fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy or acidic foods, can worsen symptoms. Additionally, smoking decreases the functionality of the LES and increases the risk of GERD. It also impairs saliva production, which normally helps neutralize stomach acid.

Moreover, certain medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxants, and blood pressure medications, can aggravate GERD by affecting the LES tone or increasing acid production in the stomach. Stress and anxiety can also exacerbate GERD symptoms, though the exact relationship between stress and GERD is complex and not fully understood. Pregnancy is another common cause of GERD due to hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure. During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone relaxes the LES, and the growing uterus exerts pressure on the stomach, both of which can lead to acid reflux.

Finally, it's important to note that GERD is not solely a result of lifestyle choices or physical conditions. Some people may be genetically predisposed to it, and it can occur in individuals of all ages, including infants and children. In these cases, GERD may be due to developmental issues of the digestive tract or other underlying conditions.

💥Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) [Full Guide] ➜ ➜ ➜ https://bit.ly/47OGmwL

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🚑MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a physician with any questions that you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you watch in this video. We strive for 100% accuracy, but errors may occur, and medications, protocols, and treatment methods may change over time.

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⏰TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:17 - Primary Cause
0:35 - LES
1:01 - Other Contributing Factors
1:23 - Consuming Foods and Drinks
1:34 - Smoking
1:45 - Certain Medications
1:59 - Stress
2:07 - Pregnancy
2:24 - Lifestyle Choice
2:43 - GERD
2:58 - Contributing Factors

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