Gerd Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 593 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1+

Page 1 of 2

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Etiology

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be caused by a number of different medical conditions. People suffering from obesity are more likely to develop GERD, and given the obesity epidemic in the United States and other western countries this explains why the prevalence of GERD approaches 20% in these countries. Pregnant women, smokers, diabetics, asthmatics, and anyone who suffers from slow digesting also have an increased risk of developing this disease.

Some people may suffer from genetic or medical conditions that predispose them to developing GERD. A hiatal hernia results when the upper portion of the stomach pushes up into the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, the esophagus, and if the hernia is severe enough then GERD may develop. Schleroderma is a rare, progressive disease that causes the skin and other connective tissues to harden, which may interfere with the proper functioning of the diaphragm that connects the esophagus to the stomach.

Stuck Writing Your "Gerd Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases" Essay?

View All Our Example Gerd Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

Too much stomach acid can result from the development of tumors in and around the pancreas, and cause GERD.

Causes

The diaphragm is a valve that connects the stomach to the esophagus and helps to prevent digesting food from flowing backwards. If anything interferes with the proper functioning of this valve, such as obesity, then stomach acid can leak into the esophagus and irritate this tissue. If this happens often enough, then the esophagus will eventually become eroded by the stomach acid and esophageal ulcers and breathing problems will develop.

Diagnosis

The primary method for diagnosing GERD is to image the upper digestive system. To provide better resolution the patient may be required to drink a barium solution immediately prior to the X-ray. GERD may also be diagnosed using endoscopy, which involves passing a tube containing a….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Gerd Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases" (2012, March 29) Retrieved May 21, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/gerd-gastroesophageal-reflux-diseases-113360

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Gerd Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases" 29 March 2012. Web.21 May. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/gerd-gastroesophageal-reflux-diseases-113360>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Gerd Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases", 29 March 2012, Accessed.21 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/gerd-gastroesophageal-reflux-diseases-113360
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example