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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a chronic condition in which Stomach contents rise up into the Esophagus, resulting in either symptoms or complications. Symptoms include the taste of acid in the back of the mouth, heartburn, bad breath, ChestPain, regurgitation, Breathing problems, and wearing away of the Teeth. Complications include esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and Barrett's esophagus. Risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, hiatal hernia, and taking certain medicines. Medications that may cause or worsen the disease include Benzodiazepines, calcium channel blockers, tricyclic Antidepressants, NSAIDs, certain Asthma medicine. Acid reflux is due to poor closure of the lower esophageal sphincter, which is at the junction between the stomach and the esophagus. Diagnosis among those who do not improve with simpler measures may involve gastroscopy, upper GI series, esophageal pH monitoring, or esophageal manometry. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes Surgery for those who do not improve with the first two measures.[from Wikipedia]
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