Author: Lawrence Ede, D.O.
GERD is the acronym for gastroesophageal reflux disease. As suggested by its name, GERD is a disease in which acidic stomach contents return to the esophagus, the tube which carries food from the mouth into the stomach. These acidic stomach contents may erode the wall of the esophagus, resulting in variety of symptoms. This condition is primarily due to relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, which is a ring of muscle around the end of the esophagus. In normal circumstances it is contracted, and only relaxes when you are swallowing.
