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Types of Sleeping Disorders |
Sleeping Problems (Home) > Types of Sleeping Disorders > Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):Information, Symptoms and CausesGastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated awakenings during the night due to unpleasant burning and choking sensations resulting from stomach acid flowing upward into the throat while asleep. SymptomsThe main symptoms of GERD in may include one or more of the following: Chronic chest pain
Less commonly, other symptoms of GERD may include one or more of the following:
In children and infants, GERD may be difficult to detect. Symptoms may include any of the symptoms above as well as one or more of the following:
CausesGERD can be caused by a range of factors, including:Heartburn, which is the major symptom of acid in the esophagus, is characterized by a burning discomfort behind the breastbone (sternum). Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Patients that have heartburn symptoms more than once a week are thought to be at risk of developing GERD. Increased acidity or production of gastric acid can contribute to the problem. Incompetence of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) or transient LES relaxation
The immature digestive systems in infants are usually the cause of their GERD-like symptoms, and most infants stop having acid reflux by the time they reach their first birthday. Some children don't outgrow acid reflux, however, and continue to have it into their teen years. Children that have had heartburn that doesn't seem to go away, or any other symptoms of GERD for a while, should talk to their parents and visit their doctor.
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Gastroesophageal Reflux, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder