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What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, also sometimes known as GORD) or acid reflux disease, is a recurrent condition where gastric juices, containing acid from the stomach leaks back into the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach).
- The food in the stomach is partially digested by stomach acid and enzymes (special chemicals that act on food to break it down to simpler material that the body can use).
- Normally, the partially digested acidic content in the stomach is delivered by the stomach muscle into the small intestine for further digestion.
- In patients with GERD, stomach acid content regularly refluxes backwards into the esophagus, causing inflammation and damage.
Last Updated 24-03-2009