Reflux disease, gastroesophageal (GERD)
The stomach contents regurgitate and back up (reflux) into the esophagus The food in the stomach is partially digested by stomach acid and enzymes. Normally, the partially digested acid content in the stomach is delivered by the stomach muscle down into the small intestine for further digestion. With esophageal reflux, stomach acid content refluxes back up into the esophagus, occasionally reaching the breathing passages, causing inflammation and damage to the esophagus, as well as to the lung and larynx (the voice box).
10% of patients with GERD develop Barrett’s esophagus, a risk factor for cancer of the esophagus. For more information about GERD, please read the GERD article.
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- Reflux laryngitis
Inflammation of the larynx (voice box) caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Reflux laryngitis is associated with chronic hoarseness and symptoms of esophageal irritation such as heartburn, chest pain, asthma, or the feeling of a foreign b
- Reflux, esophageal
A condition wherein stomach contents regurgitate or back up (reflux) into the esophagus (a long cylindrical tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach). The food in the stomach is partially digested by stomach acid and enzymes. Normally, the partially digested acid content in the stomach is delivered by the stomach muscle into […]
- Refract
In ophthalmology, to determine the bending of light that takes place within the human eye. Refractive errors include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Lenses can be used to control the amount of refraction, correcting those errors.
- Refraction
In opthalmology, the bending of light that takes place within the human eye. Refractive errors include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Lenses can be used to control the amount of refraction and correct those errors.
- Refraction test
Also termed vision test, the refraction test is an examination that tests an individual’s ability to see an object at a specific distance. The test is performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist in the doctor’s office. The refraction test involves looking through a device to read letters or recognize symbols on a wall chart through […]