Approximately 20% of the U.S. population suffers from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM). GERD results in chronic heartburn, gagging and backflow of fluid from the stomach into the esophagus. Other symptoms may include:
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- The feeling of food sticking in the esophagus
- Excessive belching
- Chronic sore throat
- Erosion of tooth enamel
- Frequent sour or bitter taste in the mouth
Alex Boettcher, nurse manager of post-operative care at HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals says there’s no known single cause of the disease, but the reflux happens when the muscle barrier between the esophagus and the stomach malfunctions or relaxes when it shouldn’t, allowing stomach acid into the esophagus.
“Stomach acid is a good thing because it aids in digestion by breaking down food and nutrients your body needs, but when it travels upward to the throat and esophagus it can cause a burning sensation and break down tissue.”
