Heartburn pathophysiology: Difference between revisions
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==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
The sensation of heartburn is caused by exposure of the lower esophagus to the [[acid]]ic contents of the stomach. Normally, the lower esophageal [[cardia|sphincter]] (LES) separating the stomach from the esophagus is supposed to contract to prevent this situation. If the sphincter relaxes for any reason (as normally occurs during swallowing), stomach contents, mixed with [[gastric acid]], can return into the esophagus. This return is also known as ''reflux'', and may progress to [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD) if it occurs frequently. [[Peristalsis]], the rhythmic wave of muscular contraction in the esophagus, normally moves food down and past the LES and is responsible for ultimately clearing refluxed stomach contents. In addition, gastric acid can be neutralized by [[buffer solution|buffer]]s present in [[saliva]]. | The sensation of heartburn is caused by exposure of the lower [[esophagus]] to the [[acid]]ic contents of the [[stomach]]. Normally, the lower esophageal [[cardia|sphincter]] (LES) separating the [[stomach]] from the [[esophagus]] is supposed to contract to prevent this situation. If the [[sphincter]] relaxes for any reason (as normally occurs during swallowing), [[stomach]] contents, mixed with [[gastric acid]], can return into the [[esophagus]]. This return is also known as ''reflux'', and may progress to [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD) if it occurs frequently. [[Peristalsis]], the rhythmic wave of muscular contraction in the [[esophagus]], normally moves food down and past the [[LES]] and is responsible for ultimately clearing refluxed [[stomach]] contents. In addition, [[gastric acid]] can be neutralized by [[buffer solution|buffer]]s present in [[saliva]]. | ||
==References== | ==References== |
Revision as of 23:05, 29 August 2020
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Pathophysiology
The sensation of heartburn is caused by exposure of the lower esophagus to the acidic contents of the stomach. Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) separating the stomach from the esophagus is supposed to contract to prevent this situation. If the sphincter relaxes for any reason (as normally occurs during swallowing), stomach contents, mixed with gastric acid, can return into the esophagus. This return is also known as reflux, and may progress to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) if it occurs frequently. Peristalsis, the rhythmic wave of muscular contraction in the esophagus, normally moves food down and past the LES and is responsible for ultimately clearing refluxed stomach contents. In addition, gastric acid can be neutralized by buffers present in saliva.