EER and Ear Nose and Throat Symptoms
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is movement of gastric contents into the esophagus that results primarily from transient relaxation of a valve-like structure at the entrance to the stomach called the lower esophageal sphincter. Adults may sometimes experience GER as "heartburn" because hydrochloric acid in gastric fluid irritates nerve endings in the esophagus.
When GER is frequent or severe enough to result in symptoms or tissue damage, the diagnosis is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Adults are considered to have GERD if heartburn is frequent (more than 2 times a week), severe, or prolonged. If pain is not accompanied by any damage to the esophagus, the condition is termed is non-erosive reflux disease or NERD. If the reflux also causes inflammation and ulceration of the esophagus, the diagnosis is erosive esophagitis. Untreated, GERD can lead to a pre-cancerous condition known as Barrett's esophagus.
Because transient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter occurs periodically throughout the day, reflux can be considered a normal physiological process in people of all ages. Babies tend to have more reflux events than adults due to the immaturity of their lower esophageal sphincter function, resulting in periodic episodes of "spitting up." For most babies, these vomiting episodes don't cause any problems, and they typically outgrow their symptoms in their first year as their sphincter function matures. By contrast, babies with GERD may vomit excessively, cry inconsolably or be chronically irritable.
What is EER?
Extra-esophageal reflux refers to reflux that results in damage to airway structures. If gastric fluid escapes the esophagus through the upper esophageal sphincter and enters the trachea, ears, sinuses, or mouth, symptoms may occur that are similar to those arising from allergies or infection. EER may cause respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, stridor, and even asthma. EER can cause sore throat, hoarseness, or laryngitis, and has also been associated with sinusitis and ear infections. Also, gastric acid that reaches the mouth can result in tooth enamel erosion.
Contents of this page originate from the Maci-Kids website and from Dr. Jeffrey Phillips' research in treating infants with acid reflux. Accreditation's listed below.
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