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Pathophysiological Determinants of Gastroesophageal Reflux, and the Role of Esophageal and Airway Receptors

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Pneumological Aspects of Gastroesophageal Reflux

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Abstract

Although the human body is well equipped to counteract the occurrence of a reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus and possibly into the more proximal airway, regurgitation does occur, especially in elderly subjects and in newborns. In healthy subjects, physiological mechanisms offer a well-developed degree of protection against gastroesophageal reflux (GER) as shown by its absence even in subjects maintained in a head-down posture [1]. The most common disorder leading to GER is a functional or structural abnormality of the lower esophageal sphincter affecting either one of its two components: smooth muscle or striated muscle from the crural portion of the diaphragm [1].

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA

    G. Sant’Ambrogio & F. B. Sant’Ambrogio

Authors
  1. G. Sant’Ambrogio
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  2. F. B. Sant’Ambrogio
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Lung Department, Bussolengo General Hospital, Bussolengo (Verona), Italy

    Roberto Walter Dal Negro

  2. Institute of Respiratory Diseases, University of Milan, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, Milan, Italy

    Luigi Allegra

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© 1999 Springer-Verlag Italia

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Sant’Ambrogio, G., Sant’Ambrogio, F.B. (1999). Pathophysiological Determinants of Gastroesophageal Reflux, and the Role of Esophageal and Airway Receptors. In: Dal Negro, R.W., Allegra, L. (eds) Pneumological Aspects of Gastroesophageal Reflux. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2147-1_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2147-1_3

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-0049-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-2147-1

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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