Question

A patient who complains of burning in his throat and an acidic taste in his mouth, especially when he eats, most likely has which condition?

A. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
B. Peptic ulcer disease (PUD)
C. Gastritis
D. Hiatal hernia

Answer 1

The individual is likely suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), characterized by a burning sensation in the throat and an acidic taste after eating, due to the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient complaining of a burning sensation in the throat and an acidic taste in the mouth, especially after eating, most likely has Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The symptoms described are indicative of GERD, where the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach weakens or relaxes inappropriately, allowing stomach acid to backflow into the esophagus. This causes the characteristic burning sensation known as heartburn.

In contrast, Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) and gastritis generally cause upper abdominal pain that may improve with eating, rather than the burning throat sensation and acidic taste related to reflux. While a hiatal hernia can contribute to GERD, it is not as directly associated with the symptoms as GERD itself.