{"id":15970,"date":"2020-08-22T20:31:26","date_gmt":"2020-08-22T19:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/opa.org.uk\/?p=15970"},"modified":"2021-01-21T20:33:43","modified_gmt":"2021-01-21T20:33:43","slug":"gord-is-the-damage-reversible","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opa-old.voidappsdev.uk\/?p=15970","title":{"rendered":"GORD: Is the Damage Reversible?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Overview<\/strong><\/div>\n

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD<\/a>) is a chronic condition that affects nearly\u00a020 percent<\/a>\u00a0of American adults. People with GERD spend billions on over-the-counter and prescription medications to combat painful heartburn.<\/p>\n

While most people experience occasional heartburn, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, GERD is a chronic condition with symptoms that can occur daily. It can cause serious complications over time if it\u2019s left untreated. But can treating it reverse or at least reduce the damage caused by GERD?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

What causes GERD?<\/div>\n
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When a person swallows, a complex set of muscles near the mouth and tongue work with the epiglottis to close off the windpipe to protect the lungs and move the food into the esophagus. The esophagus is the narrow tube connecting the throat to the stomach.<\/p>\n

At the bottom of the esophagus is a ring of muscles known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). A healthy LES relaxes enough to allow proper movement of food from the esophagus into the stomach.<\/p>\n

In people with GERD, the LES relaxes too much and allows stomach acid to enter the esophagus. This can cause a painful burning sensation in the mid-abdomen, chest, and throat.<\/p>\n

While the stomach has a tough lining to protect it from acid, the esophagus doesn\u2019t. This means the sensitive esophageal tissue may be injured over time.<\/p>\n

The acid often also backs up into the mouth, damaging other structures along the way. Sometimes the acid ends up being aspirated into the windpipe and lungs, causing problems there as well.<\/p>\n

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Complications<\/div>\n

Complications of GERD may include:<\/p>\n