Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a serious form of heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux, acid reflux, or acid regurgitation), and is an irritation of the esophagus that is caused by stomach acid washing into the tube that leads from the mouth to the stomach (called the esophagus).

Occasional gastroesophageal reflux is common and does NOT necessarily mean one has gastroesophageal reflux disease, as GERD is defined as persistent gastroesophageal reflux that occurs more than twice a week.

GERD symptoms

When acid reflux occurs, fluid can be tasted in the back of the mouth, and when refluxed stomach acid comes in contact with the lining of the esophagus may cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn or acid indigestion.

GERD can eventually lead to more serious health problems. NOT all people with GERD experience heartburn, and most children under 12 years with GERD, and some adults, have GERD without heartburn. These people may only experience a dry cough, asthma symptoms, or trouble swallowing.

GERD and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

The reason some people develop GERD is unclear. However, research shows that in people with GERD, the ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that normally acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach relaxes while the rest of the esophagus is working. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the LES opens spontaneously for varying periods of time, or does NOT close properly. This causes the acidic stomach contents to rise up into the esophagus. The digestive juices, or acids, can also rise up when food is in the stomach.

If you would like more complete GERD assessment, then please click on the link below.

If you would like a comprehensive medical screening, then please click on the link below.

Anatomical abnormalities such as a hiatal hernia may also contribute to GERD. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach and the LES move above the diaphragm (the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest).

Normally, the diaphragm helps the LES keep acid from rising up into the esophagus, but because a hiatal hernia can cause the LES to malfunction, acid reflux can occur more easily. A hiatal hernia can occur in people of any age and is most often a normal finding in otherwise healthy people over age 50. However, most of the time, a hiatal hernia produces no symptoms.

If you would like more complete GERD assessment, then please click on the link below.

If you would like a comprehensive medical screening, then please click on the link below.

Factors that contribute to GERD include hiatal hernia, obesity, pregnancy, and smoking.

Eat small, frequent meals and avoid the common foods that can worsen reflux symptoms include citrus fruits, chocolate, drinks with caffeine or alcohol, fatty and fried foods, garlic and onions, mint flavorings, spicy foods, tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili, and pizza. Avoiding food 2 to 3 hours before bed may also help.

If you would like more complete GERD assessment, then please click on the link below.

If you would like a comprehensive medical screening, then please click on the link below.

If you have had symptoms of GERD and have been using antacids or other over-the-counter reflux medications for more than 2 weeks. Your health care provider may refer you to a gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats diseases of the stomach and intestines.

Depending on the severity of your GERD, treatment may involve one or more of the following lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.

Lifestyle Changes

• Avoid foods and beverages that worsen symptoms.
• Lose weight if needed.
• If you smoke, stop.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Avoid lying down or bending over for 3 hours after a meal.
• Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches with blocks under the bedposts at the head of the bed to create a slight angle.

Medications

• Antacids, Histamine blockers, Proton pump inhibitors,

• Pro-motility drugs, Foam barriers

Surgery

• Fundoplication

• Endoscopic techniques

If you would like more complete GERD assessment, then please click on the link below.

If you would like a comprehensive medical screening, then please click on the link below.