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Barrett's EsophagusPage 2
The muscular layers of the esophagus are normally pinched together at both the upper and lower ends by muscles called sphincters. When a person swallows, the sphincters relax automatically to allow food or drink to pass from the mouth and into the stomach. The muscles then close rapidly to prevent the swallowed food or drink from leaking out of the stomach back into the esophagus or into the mouth. These muscles make it possible to swallow while lying down or even upside down. When people belch to release swallowed air or gas from carbonated beverages, the sphincters relax and small amounts of food or drink may come back up briefly; this condition is called reflux. The esophagus quickly squeezes the material back into the stomach, and this is considered normal.
While these functions of the esophagus are obviously an important part of everyday life, people who must have their esophagus removed, for example because of cancer, can live a relatively healthy life without it.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Having liquids or gas occasionally reflux is considered normal. When it happens frequently, particularly when not trying to belch, and causes other symptoms, then it is considered a medical problem or disease. However, it is not necessarily a serious one or one that requires seeing a physician.
The stomach produces acid and enzymes to digest food, and when this mixture refluxes into the esophagus more frequently than normal or for a longer period of time than normal, it may produce symptoms. These symptoms, often called acid reflux, are usually described by people as heartburn, indigestion, or "gas." The symptoms typically consist of a burning sensation below and behind the lower part of the breastbone or sternum.
Almost everyone has experienced these symptoms at least once, typically as a result of overeating. Other things that provoke gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms include being overweight, eating certain types of foods, or being pregnant. In most people, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms may last only a short time and require no treatment at all. More persistent symptoms are often quickly relieved by over-the-counter acid reducing agents such as antacids.
Common Antacids
- Alka Seltzer
- Maalox
- Mylanta
- Pepto Bismol
- Riopan
- Rolaids
Page 1 Barrett's Esophagus
Page 2 Barrett's Esophagus
Page 3 Barrett's Esophagus
Page 4 Barrett's Esophagus
Page 5 Barrett's Esophagus
Page 6 Barrett's Esophagus - Conclusion
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Nexium - Esomeprazole
Aciphex - Rabeprazole
Prevacid - Lansoprazole
Prilosec - Omeprazole
Prilosec OCT
Protonix - Pantoprazole
| GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease
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GERD
Causes of GERD
Diet for GERD
Infant GERD
Children 1 - 11 Years Old
Medication for GERD
Symptoms of GERD
GERD Surgery
GERD Treatment
Heartburn
Causes of Heartburn
Symptoms of Heartburn
Heartburn Medications
Heartburn Remedy
Can Flatulence Be Controlled
Lump In Throat
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Remedies for GERD
Acne
Hair Removal
HGH
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