Report Example on Unveiling GERD: Causes, Symptoms, and Predisposing Factors

1a) What is GERD?

GERD, a gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a common acid-related gastrointestinal disorder that involves the passage of gastric contents from the stomach into the esophagus. It is commonly associated with heartburn and acid regurgitation.

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b) What are three different causes of GERD?

Various predisposing factors can cause gastroesophageal reflux disease, and these include frequent regurgitation of the acid, increased stomach fat hence obesity, and hiatal hernia which is when there is a hole in the diaphragm where food and liquid pass. When one is pregnant, one is likely to have heartburn due to hormone changes, and this is also a predisposing cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

2a) what part of the digestive system malfunctions to produce the symptoms of GERD?

The digestive system that malfunctions because of gastroesophageal reflux is the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle between the esophagus and stomach.

b) How does this malfunction contribute to symptoms of GERD?

The lower esophageal reflux extremely relaxes; therefore, it allows the acid in the stomach to enter the esophagus, and the stomach does not have the mucosal lining to protect it from the acid like the one found in the stomach. As a result of this, one may experience heartburn, a burning sensation in the upper abdomen and the chest.

3a) Are any individuals predisposed to getting GERD? If yes, what are these predisposing factors?

Yes, some individuals are predisposed to getting gastroesophageal reflux disease; these predisposing factors can cause or worsen gastroesophageal, and these include delayed stomach emptying which will increase acid levels because there is a damaged nerve and the lining will be largely exposed to the acid. Pregnant women commonly experience heartburn; this is a result of acid regurgitation, and obesity since there is increased fat in the stomach causing pressure to be at the stomach hence regurgitation.

b) Do genetics play a role in GERD? How?

Genetics plays an essential role in a lot of diseases, and gastroesophageal reflux disease is not an exception in this. For instance, take a case like obesity, a child from parents who are obese is likely to be obese. This is a predisposing factor in gastroesophageal reflux disease in that the fat at the belly of the individual will cause pressure on the stomach. Take a case like gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is characterized by heartburn and acid regurgitation; if one has that, his or her children are likely to get the same problem.

c) Can children be diagnosed with GERD? Under what circumstances or disease conditions can children experience GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux ailment is also common in infants. There are circumstances in which a child can experience gastroesophageal reflux disease; such circumstances are when they are given too many antihistamines. Some medicines can precipitate gastroesophageal reflux disease in a child; children who have Down syndrome and neuromuscular disorders are likely to suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease. When you notice a child is burping, vomiting, and gagging frequently.

4. What are the signs and symptoms of GERD? Give at least four different signs and symptoms of GERD.

Just like other diseases, gastroesophageal reflux disease has common signs and symptoms, and these include heartburn, regurgitation of the acid, a painful burning sensation in the chest, nausea, and discomfort in the upper abdomen.