Mechanism of

regurgitation and
heartburn pain

Regurgitation
Regurgitation refers to emitting already
swallowed food or drink
Ethiology :
Normal infant regurgitation - some babies
are "pukey babies
Reflux
GERD
Stomach conditions
Esophageal sphincter muscle disorder
Pyloric stenosis
Therapy :
Metochlorpramid

Heartburn
Heartburn, or pyrosis, is characterized by
burning retrosternal discomfort that may
move up and down the chest like a wave.
Heartburn is a characteristic symptom of
reflux esophagitis and may be associated
with regurgitation or a feeling of warm fluid
climbing up the throat.
Heartburn is produced by heightened
mucosal sensitivity and can be reproduced
by infusion of dilute (0.1 N) hydrochloric
acid (Bernstein test) or neutral
hyperosmolar solutions into the esophagus.

Pathopysiology
Hormonal
fluctuations,
mechanical stress,
the effects of certain
foods & drugs

the reflux
irritates and
inflames the
esophageal
mucosa

Lower Esophageal
Sphincter (LES)
pressure

LES pressure

Intragastric
pressure
allows reflux of
gastric acid or bile
secretions into the
lower esophagus

HEARTBURN

normally
contracted LES
relaxes
inappropriately