gastroesophageal reflux

reflux /re·flux/ (re´fluks) a backward or return flow.

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duodenogastric reflux  reflux of the contents of the duodenum into the stomach; it may occur normally, especially during fasting.

gastroesophageal reflux  reflux of the stomach and duodenal contents into the esophagus.

hepatojugular reflux  distention of the jugular vein induced by applying manual pressure over the liver; it suggests insufficiency of the right heart.

intrarenal reflux  reflux of urine into the renal parenchymal tissue.

valvular reflux  backflow of blood past a venous valve in the lower limb due to venous insufficiency.

vesicoureteral reflux , vesicoureteric reflux backward flow of urine from the bladder into a ureter.

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gastroesophageal reflux

n.

A backflow of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus, caused by relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Also called esophageal reflux, gastric reflux.

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Gastroesophageal reflux

Condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.

Mentioned in: Cough, Heartburn

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gastroesophageal reflux,

a backflow of contents of the stomach into the esophagus that is often the result of incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter. Gastric juices are acidic and therefore produce burning pain in the esophagus. Repeated episodes of reflux may cause esophagitis, peptic esophageal stricture, or esophageal ulcer. In uncomplicated cases treatment consists of elevation of the head of the bed, avoidance of acid-stimulating foods, and regular administration of antacids. In complicated cases surgical repair may provide relief. Also called GERD. See also chalasia, esophagitis, heartburn, hiatal hernia, reflux esophagitis.

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gastroesophageal reflux (gasˑ·trō·eh·sˈ·f·gē·l rēˑ·flks),

n a condition in which contents of the stomach flow up into the esophagus.

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gastroesophageal

pertaining to the stomach and esophagus. See also ulcer.

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gastroesophageal reflux

see peptic esophagitis.

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reflux

a backward or return flow.

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esophageal reflux

reflux of the stomach contents into the esophagus; likely to occur during anesthesia and may be a cause of esophageal strictures. Called also gastroesophageal reflux. See also peptic esophagitis.

gastroduodenal reflux

reflux of duodenal contents, especially bile salts into the stomach; a cause of injury to the gastric mucosa and a possible factor in the genesis of gastric ulceration.

gastroesophageal reflux

see esophageal reflux (above).

intrarenal urine reflux

reflux of urine into the renal parenchymal tissue.

vesicoureteral reflux, vesicoureteric reflux

backward flow of urine from the bladder into a ureter.

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gastroesophageal reflux

Gastroenterology A backflow of stomach content into the lower esophagus, causing heartburn, esophageal scarring and stricture, which requires stretching/bougienage–dilating of the esophagus

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Patient discussion about gastroesophageal reflux.

Q. can a woman ger pregnant if she misses a few birth control pills? my girlfriend missed 2 this month and now her period is a bit late. should I be woried?

A. Even on birth control it is possible to get pregnant. Birth control pills are not always 100% perfect in preventing pregnancy. Has she ever missed any pills in the past? Her body may be trying to re-adjust and that can be a reason why she is "late."

Q. how do you deal with a mild case of acid reflux

A. You can start with life style changes: if you have symptoms during the night, you can try to elevate the head of your bed. You can try to avoid foods that induce reflux: fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint, and excessive alcohol. Cola, red wine, and orange juice are very acidic, so it would be wise to avoid them too, In addition to these, you can try to use a diary to reveal which kind of food causes symptoms and avoid it.

Try to refrain from lying down immediately after a meal, or eating just before bedtime. Overweight is a risk factor for reflux, so if it's relevant weight reduction is also recommended.

If you feel heartburn, you may chew in order to increase salivation and thus alleviate the symptoms. Smoking has a negative effect on salivation, so smoking cessation is also recommended.

And that's before we even mentioned OTC drugs...

Q. is there anything to cure G.E.R.D. instead of taking pills daily?

A. there is no known way to "cure" but it can be manageable. there's a somewhat new procedure -An endoscope. Using this scope, doctors can treat the lower part of the esophagus to improve how it works. These nonsurgical procedures are somewhat new. There is not enough scientific evidence yet to talk about how well they work.
here is a nice tutorial about it:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/uppergiendoscopy/htm/lesson.htm

and of course you can avoid some types of food and habits (sorry...long and tasty list...):
http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods3.htm