The esophageal mucosa is easily damaged
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Director of Surgery, Phuong Dong General Hospital, gastroesophageal reflux is a condition in which stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus, causing many uncomfortable symptoms. The esophagus mucosa is a thin and sensitive membrane lining inside the esophagus. When exposed to highly corrosive stomach acid, the esophagus mucosa can be damaged.
The esophageal mucosa is covered by a stratified squamous epithelium. This is a thin epithelium that is easily damaged when exposed to acid or other irritants.
The esophageal mucosa is not designed to withstand acidic environments. The main function of this mucous membrane is to protect the esophagus from mechanical damage when food passes through, not to protect it from acids and digestive enzymes.
The stomach lining has better protection
The stomach lining is lined by the simple columnar epithelium. This epithelium has the function of secreting mucus and bicarbonate, which helps protect the stomach lining from the corrosive effects of acids and digestive enzymes such as pepsin.
The stomach is structured to withstand a very high acid environment, with a pH of about 1-2. Stomach cells also secrete bicarbonate to neutralize acid near the surface of the mucous membrane, helping to protect the stomach from self-digestion.
Reversal can cause injury and complications
The difference between the esophageal and gastric mucosa makes the esophagus more susceptible to damage when stomach acid refluxes. The esophageal mucosa does not have a protective mucus layer and acid neutralization ability like the gastric mucosa, so acid can cause direct damage.
This condition can cause inflammation, ulcers and in more severe cases can lead to esophageal or Barrett's esophageal stenosis. Due to the non-hornened epithelial structure, the esophageal mucosa is easily irritated and damaged when exposed to acid, causing symptoms such as heartburn and chest pain.
The difference in structure and function between the esophageal and gastric mucosa is the main reason why gastroesophageal reflux can damage the esophageal mucosa. The esophageal mucosa is not designed to withstand a acidic environment. When acid refluxes from the stomach, it can lead to damage and complications if not treated promptly.
