About GERD
GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), also referred to as heartburn, is reflux and regurgitation of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus that is frequent and severe enough to impact daily life and may even damage the esophagus. Normally, after swallowing, a valve between the esophagus and stomach opens to allow food to pass into the stomach, then closes to prevent reflux of the food back into the esophagus. In GERD, this valve is weakened or absent, causing the acidic digestive juices from the stomach to flow back (or reflux) into the esophagus.
The esophagus is not designed to handle the acidic environment of the stomach. This reflux is not only painful and uncomfortable, but can burn the esophagus, cause chronic inflammation, and can lead to major damage and cancer of the esophagus. GERD is one of the most common diseases, with over 60 million Americans experiencing symptoms at least once a month. Over 60% of the elderly have frequent GERD, and over 14 million Americans have GERD so frequently and severely that they experience symptoms every single day. EndoGastric Solutions is committed to helping people with GERD find long-term solutions through minimally invasive devices and procedures.
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