Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, Heartburn) »
What is GERD (acid reflux)?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD or acid reflux, is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up or refluxes) into the esophagus. The liquid can inflame and damage the lining (cause, cause esophagitis) of the esophagus although visible signs of inflammation occur in a minority of patients. The regurgitated liquid usually contains acid and pepsin that are produced by the stomach. (Pepsin is an enzyme that begins the digestion of proteins in the stomach.) The refluxed liquid also may contain bile that has backed-up into the stomach from the duodenum. (The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine that attaches to the stomach.) Acid is believed to be the most injurious component of the refluxed liquid. Pepsin and bile also may injure the esophagus, but their role in the production of esophageal inflammation and damage is not as clear as the role of acid.
GERD is a chronic c...
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I have been having swallowing problems for about one year. One day, I ate some Swedish meatballs with noodles, and the meatball was jammed in my throat. No one knew what to do because the food was not blocking my airway. I was frustrated because nothing not even water would budge the meatball. About three hours later, it went down on its own. Fortunately, I was already scheduled for an endoscopy procedure a few days later. The doctor found the Schatzki’s Ring and biopsied the area. On a follow-up visit, he told me I have esinophilic esophagitis. I was started on Flovent. It made things better but did not prevent the swelling. I began to have chest pain. I thought I was having a heart attack. It turns out that my EE was causing the chest pain. This amazed me. I have found that I cannot eat anything white like bread, rice, pasta (white and wheat), potatoes or things like potato bread (my favorite). I have to carry an Epi Pen and Benadryl with me at all times. I am scheduled to see a dietician in a few days. I don't know how to cook without the above listed items. I can eat corn products. So for Thanksgiving, I made cornbread stuffing. I find that I can eat meats if I don't eat the items listed above. I can't eat biscuits. I am a southern gal, and I think this is a sign of the end of time! Published: December 02 ::