5. Regurgitation: The Unwanted Return
Picture this: you’ve just had a fantastic meal, you’re savoring the lingering taste—and suddenly, part of that meal decides to make a comeback. This isn’t your typical “burp and it’s over” scenario. We’re talking about regurgitation, where food or liquid travels back up from your stomach into your mouth. It’s as unpleasant as it sounds.
So how does esophagitis fit into this unsavory picture? When the esophagus is inflamed, the lower esophageal sphincter—think of it as a gatekeeper between your stomach and esophagus—doesn’t work as it should. Instead of tightly sealing, it slackens, making it easier for the stomach’s contents to crawl back up. Your inflamed esophagus has essentially given a free pass for this reverse journey.
Here’s a not-so-fun fact: regurgitation isn’t a quiet visitor. It often arrives with a bitter or acidic taste in the mouth. You may find it interesting to know that the term for this is “water brash.” Picture the sharp, acrid sensation hitting your taste buds. Not exactly a grand finale to your meal, is it? (5)
