GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is the backflow of stomach contents (including stomach acid) upward into the esophagus (the swallowing tube that extends from the mouth to the stomach and sits behind the breast bone).
The lining of the stomach protects the stomach from the effects of its own acids. Because the esophagus lacks a similar protective lining, stomach acid that flows backward (refluxes) into it causes heartburn (also called dyspepsia).
Many people experience heartburn occasionally; however, people who get heartburn or other GERD symptoms persistently are considered to have GERD. GERD is the most common acid-related condition in Canada, affecting 5% to 12% of the population. Adults, children, and even infants can have GERD.
GERD occurs when the valve located at the bottom of the esophagus (called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES) that normally keeps acid in the stomach isn’t functioning properly. Acid that moves from the stomach into the esophagus damages its lining and can cause burning and pain.
Risk factors are characteristics that may increase your chance of developing a condition. Risk factors for GERD include:
The following foods can cause symptoms of GERD, but may not necessarily cause GERD itself:
GERD may sometimes be associated with a condition called hiatus hernia in which a portion of the stomach lining pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. People with severe GERD almost always have a hiatus hernia.
Most symptoms of GERD can be managed with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Surgery is reserved for people with severe complications but is needed only rarely.
Medications* that can be used to neutralize stomach acid are antacids (e.g., aluminum or magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, bismuth subsalicylate). Medications* that keep stomach acid away from the esophagus are alginates (sodium alginate). Medications* that can be used to reduce the production of stomach acid include H2-antagonists (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, nizatidine) and proton pump inhibitors (e.g., dexlansoprazole, omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole). When prescribing proton pump inhibitors, your doctor may put you on an 8-week trial and then assess your symptoms.
In addition to medications, symptoms of GERD can be improved by making one or more lifestyle changes. For example:
Most people can have successful treatment by taking medications and making lifestyle and diet changes.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2025. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/GERD-Gastroesophageal-reflux-disease
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