​Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder which can affect people of all ages, even children. The disorder affects your lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS), which are ring of muscles located between your oesophagus and stomach and causes it to become weaker than normal, or relax inappropriately. This results in food acid flowing from the stomach back into the oesophagus (food pipe), which does not contain acid normally. This back flow is called a reflux.

GERD refers to instances where acid reflux happens more than twice a week and leads to the inflammation of the oesophagus. GERD also often causes heartburn. A lot of people, including pregnant women, suffer from heartburn as well as indigestion as a result of GERD.

The severity of the disease depends on the extent of LOS dysfunction, the type and quantity of acidic fluid that comes up ​from your stomach and also the neutralizing effect of saliva. Doctors often attribute GERD as a consequence of​ hiatal hernia​, as it is thought to weaken your LO​S.

When to seek expert advise

If you are experiencing symptoms of GERD, you can consult the family doctors at the Family Health Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital.

You can also visit the doctors working with the Children's Hospital​ or GI and Surgery Service Line​ at The Aga Khan University Hospital if if medication has not helped to alleviate symptoms after two weeks.

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