Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) consists of a pronounced rise of some of the acidic contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus, promoted by a poor seal or increased frequency of opening of the cardia, the valve that separates the two organs and is supposed to prevent food from rising upward after being swallowed.
MRGE is one of the most prevalent and experienced digestive disorders in adulthood (about one in ten people suffer from it), regardless of individual characteristics, lifestyle habits and sociocultural level, although sedentariness, overeating, alcohol consumption, smoking and stress represent established factors that can promote and worsen the disorder.
In addition to the classic form, distinguished by hyperacidity and gastroesophageal burning, there is also non-acid or “not just acid” gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is more subtle and difficult to diagnose and treat because it causes symptoms that can be confused with those of other diseases, particularly respiratory.
