Stomach - Acid Reflux  Overview

Stomach reflux is a condition where the lower oesophageal sphincter (the muscular ring at the lower end of the oesophagus) is abnormally relaxed and allows the stomach's acidic contents to flow back or reflux into the gullet (oesophagus).

The stomach is a muscular organ of the digestive system and located on the left side of the upper abdomen. Stomach is an expanded part of the digestive tube between the esophagus and small intestine. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Food enters the stomach through esophagus after passing through a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter. In other words the LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a non-valve between the esophagus and stomach. The sphincter relaxes during swallowing to allow food to pass. It then tightens to prevent flow in the opposite direction. The stomach secretes hydrochloric acid and enzymes to aid in the digestion of food. The inner lining of the stomach resists corrosion by this acid. The cells that line the stomach produces large amounts of protective mucus.

The stomach muscles contract periodically, mixing food with grinding motion to enhance digestion. The pyloric sphincter is also a muscular valve which opens to allow food to pass from the stomach into the small intestine.

Sometimes the lower sphincter ( LES ) valve malfunctions and remains open after eating, allowing gastro juice to back up and enter into esophagus, causing reflux and GERD symptoms. In fact the valve (sphincter) should open for only a few seconds during swallowing. A weak LES over the time is enough to cause chronic heartburn and acid reflux.

Once frequent symptoms of heartburn acid reflux disease occur, the esophageal lining gets eroded and can cause formation of scar tissue. frequent acid attack over the period time, may not allow the scar tissue to heal and this can lead to ulcers or even cancer of the esophagus. Ignoring the symptoms of heartburn acid reflux disease can create severe complications and it may also lead to surgery.

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