A condition that develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms or complications. The two most common symptoms are heartburn and regurgitation.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
The antireflux barrier at the gastroesophageal junction depends on LES pressure, the intra-abdominal location of the sphincter, resulting in a "flap valve" caused by angulation of the esophageal-gastric junction, and the extrinsic compression of the sphincter by the crural diaphragm.
Peptic Ulcer Disease
A break in the gastric or duodenal mucosa that arises when the normal mucosal defensive factors are impaired or are overwhelmed by aggressive luminal factors such as acid and pepsin.
