Gastroesophageal+reflux+disease+(GERD)

__**Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) **__


 * Root cause: **

Abnormal relaxation in lower esophageal sphincter, hiatal hernia, and smoking [2]. This causes erosion of mucous causing symptomatic ailments associated with stomach acid contact with esophagus.


 * Affected cell types/tissues/organ/systems: **

Over erosion of lower esophagus causes development of stricture. This eventually leads to formation of cancer or complete tissue degradation [1]. Dental problems and asthma serve as potential symptoms due to acid migration.

Figure 1: Comparison of closed and open lower esophageal sphincter [1]




 * Figure 2: Movement of stomach acid up esophagus [2] **


 * Historical background: **

GERD is considered a multiple spectrum disease. It generates many different responses for different individuals. In western countries where patients who experience monthly symptoms range from 26-44% with 15-20% of developing Barrett’s esophagus and 0.5% developing into cancer [3].


 * Common symptoms: **

The most common symptoms are heartburn and acid reflux. When these symptoms are experienced on a weekly basis the ailment is considered GERD [1].


 * Standard treatments: **

Preliminary treatments involve use of antacids or medications to block acid production. If these treatments are ineffective after a few week periods then further action should be discussed with your doctor [1].

//Several surgical procedures are possibilities if routine medications cannot suppress the symptoms. //

//Nissen fundoplication: //

This procedure involves the tightening of loosened sphincter at the lower esophagus [3].
====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 140%;">The nerves which experience the reflux can be damaged to promote formation of stronger tissue. Also a device can be placed to act as a synthetic sphincter. ====


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 140%;">Current research: **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 140%;">Current Research is primarily involved with the development of instrumentation which can detect the seriousness and changes in persons with GERD. The idea stems from focusing on the larger set of markers with which to judge outside of the expected pH [3].


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 140%;">References: **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 140%;">[1] Gastroesophageal reflux disease. (2011, August 11). In PubMed Health. Retrieved May 10, 2012, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001311/ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 140%;">[2] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2012, April 13). GERD. In Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 10, 2012, from [] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 140%;">[3] Pace, F., Bianchi, P. G., Granderath, F. A., Kamolz, T., & Pointner, R. (2006). Clinical Spectrum, Natural History and Epidemiology of GERD. Vienna: Springer Vienna.