Q. Are GERD and Maehaekgi different?
Symptoms are similar but they're different conditions. GERD's main symptom is burning from acid reflux; Maehaekgi only has foreign-body sensation without pain or burning. They can co-occur, so accurate differentiation is important.
📝 Detailed Answer
They differ, but they often overlap.
Reflux oesophagitis is a state where stomach acid rises into the oesophagus and causes inflammation of the mucosa. Heartburn, acid coming up, and worsening on lying down are typical.
Maehaekgi refers to the globus sensation itself. But when acid rises as far as the throat, a globus sensation arises. In this case throat symptoms alone can appear without heartburn, so people often do not realise it is reflux.
There are clues for distinguishing them. If it worsens after eating or on lying down, and hoarseness or a dry cough is also present, we look to reflux first. If it worsens only in stressful situations, it is the tension side.
Having both is also common, so we approach them together.
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