Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Provided by: Healthwise
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Illustration of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

In GERD, the valve at the top of the stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) does not close tightly enough. This allows the contents of the stomach to move up into the esophagus.

Medical Review:Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
Last Updated: 04/18/2006

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