Letter G

GERD

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Stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, a disorder in which there is recurrent return of stomach contents back up into the esophagus, frequently causing heartburn, a symptom of irritation of the esophagus by stomach acid.

This can lead to scarring and stricture of the esophagus, which can require stretching (dilating).</P> NTER><IMG height=356 alt='GastroEsophaegeal Reflux illustration - GERD' src='http://images.medicinenet.com/images/illustrations/gastroesophageal_reflux.jpg' width=470></CENTER> </P> 10% of patients with GERD develop Barrett's esophagus which increases the risk of cancer of the esophagus.

80% of patients with GERD also have a hiatal hernia.

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