Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD chronic digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid or contents stream back up through your esophagus and irritate the lining
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, is a chronic digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid or contents stream back up through your esophagus and irritate the lining. Over time, the acid can wear on the lining, resulting in complications including bleeding, narrowing of the esophagus or Barret’s esophagus.
What causes GERD?
- Alcohol consumption
- Asthma
- Connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma
- Diabetes
- Dry mouth
- Hiatal hernia (a portion of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm muscle)
- Medications
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
Whom does GERD affect?
Approximately seven million people in the United States have some symptoms of GERD, with five to seven percent worldwide overall.
Those more likely to have GERD include:
- People age 40 and over, with the majority between 45 and 64, although children may also be affected by the condition.
- Female: Women are more likely to be hospitalized for GERD symptoms than men. Women accounted for 62 percent of all hospitalizations for GERD in 2005.
Symptons of GERD
Symptoms of GERD are persistent. A visit to a physician may be needed if:
- You have difficulty or pain with swallowing.
- Discomfort or pain affects daily activity.
- You have had an occasional bout of heartburn, but over the course of several years.
- Heartburn occurs at night.
- Heartburn occurs twice or more in a week and progressively gets worse.
Other symptoms may include:
- A sensation of food feeling stuck in the esophagus (dysphagia)
- Bad breath
- Coughing or wheezing
- Hiccups
- Hoarseness
- Nausea or upset stomach after eating (indigestion)
- Sore throat
Symptoms may vary from person to person and are mild in most cases.
Diagnosing GERD
After taking a medical history of your symptoms, your physician may be able to provide an accurate diagnosis of GERD. To confirm, your physician may request additional testing such as: