Why Many People Suffer from Reflux Gastritis

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is indeed a common condition, with its incidence increasing as people age. There is no significant difference in the prevalence between men and women. In the Chinese population, GERD tends to be less severe compared to cases observed in Western countries like the United States, with non-erosive reflux disease being more prevalent.

GERD occurs when the contents of the stomach and duodenum flow back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn. The condition is categorized into two types based on whether it causes visible damage to the esophageal lining: erosive esophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease.

In addition to typical symptoms like heartburn, GERD can also lead to complications involving nearby tissues such as the throat and airways, resulting in what are known as extra-esophageal symptoms. These may include chronic cough, hoarseness, and even asthma-like symptoms.

The development of GERD is multifactorial, with dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter being a primary contributor. It is considered a motility disorder of the esophagus. The main damaging agents in GERD are gastric acid, pepsin, and bile reflux.

Several factors contribute to the onset of GERD:

Anatomical or functional abnormalities in the anti-reflux barrier, such as hiatal hernia after achalasia surgery, or conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure like pregnancy, obesity, ascites, vomiting, and heavy lifting;

Prolonged elevated gastric pressure, including gastric distention and delayed gastric emptying;

Reduced esophageal clearance, which impairs the ability to remove refluxed material;

Weakened mucosal barrier function of the esophagus, making it more susceptible to damage from acidic substances.

Lifestyle choices such as long-term smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can further compromise the protective lining of the esophagus, reducing its ability to withstand damage caused by refluxed contents. These habits significantly increase the risk of developing GERD and should be avoided to maintain optimal digestive health.