How do people get GERD?
Untitled DocumentWhat causes GERD? GERD is caused by reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. In most patients this is due to a transient relaxation of the "gate" or sphincter that keeps the lower end of the esophagus closed when a person is not swallowing food or liquids. This transient relaxation happens a few times each day in people without GERD. Why it happens more frequently in GERD patients isn't known. The esophagus is not able to cope with acid as well as the stomach and is easily injured.
Related QuestionsHow many people are afflicted with GERD?
Untitled DocumentRecent statistics from the US Department of Health and Human Services indicate that about seven (7) million people in the US alone suffer from GERD. (Source: Digestive Diseases in the United States: Epidemiology and Impact, National Digestive Diseases Data Working Group, James E. Everhart, MD, MPH, Editor, US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, NIH Publication No. 94-1447, May 1994)
Related QuestionsWhat should people with GERD avoid?
Untitled DocumentGERD is a disease that is caused by gastric acid. However, certain foods can trigger symptoms in some patients. Lying down after a meal, wearing tight-fitting clothing, and even performing certain activities, such as bending over, can also trigger symptoms in patients. A good way to identify these "triggers" is to keep a diary of GERD symptoms noting when they occur. If symptoms follow a pattern and occur after certain foods or activities, these foods or activities should be avoided.
Related QuestionsHow do people get GERD? What causes GERD?
FAQ : Gerd Acid RefluxGERD is caused by reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. In most patients this is due to a transient relaxation of the ???gate??? or sphincter that keeps the lower end of the esophagus closed when a person is not swallowing food or liquids. This transient relaxation happens a few times each day in people without GERD. Why it happens more frequently in GERD patients isn???t known. The esophagus is not able to cope with acid as well as the stomach and is easily injured.
Related QuestionsWhat is GERD?
Untitled DocumentGERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Gastroesophageal reflux describes a backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube or esophagus. Almost everyone experiences gastroesophageal reflux at some time. The usual symptom is heartburn, an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone, most commonly occurring after a meal. In some individuals this reflux is frequent or severe enough to cause more significant problems, that is a disease.
Related QuestionsHealth InformationGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that is caused by gastric acid flowing from the stomach into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus, and reflux means to flow back or return. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is the return of acidic stomach juices, or food and fluids, back up into the esophagus. GER is very common in infants, though it can occur at any age. It is the most common cause of vomiting during infancy.Related Questions
What are some symptoms of GERD?
Untitled DocumentThe four major symptoms of GERD are: q Heartburn (uncomfortable, rising, burning sensation behind the breastbone). q Regurgitation of gastric acid or sour contents into the mouth. q Difficult and/or painful swallowing. q Chest pain. Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. In some patients it may be accompanied by other GERD symptoms, such as regurgitation of gastric contents into the mouth, chest pain and difficulty swallowing.
Related QuestionsWho is afflicted with GERD?
Untitled DocumentGERD afflicts people of every socioeconomic class, ethnic group and age. However, the incidence does seem to increase quite dramatically above the age of 40. Greater than 50 percent of those afflicted with GERD are between the ages of 45-64 (both male and female).
Related QuestionsWhat are the complications of GERD?
Untitled DocumentOnly a minority of patients develop complications of GERD. These complications include breaks in the lining of the esophagus (esophageal erosions), esophageal ulcer, and narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture). In some patients, the normal esophageal lining or epithelium may be replaced with abnormal (Barrett's) epithelium. This condition (Barrett's esophagus) has been linked to cancer of the esophagus and must be carefully watched.
Related QuestionsWhat about GERD and smoking?
Untitled DocumentSmoking doesn't cause GERD and there is little evidence that smoking significantly worsens GERD. Stopping smoking is a good idea anyway.
Related QuestionsCan GERD be cured?
Untitled DocumentUnfortunately, GERD, in general, cannot be cured at present. In some cases, it may be a temporary condition associated with a specific aggravating factor such as pregnancy. In such cases, GERD will go away on its own when the pregnancy has ended. In most cases GERD is a chronic condition. However, it can be effectively managed with medications and lifestyle modifications in almost everybody. In severe cases, surgery is an option.
Related QuestionsWhere can I go for more information about GERD?
Untitled DocumentIf you think you might have GERD - see your doctor who can determine if you have GERD and, if so, can evaluate its severity.
Related QuestionsWhat causes GERD?
Health InformationGERD is often the result of conditions that affect the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES, a muscle located at the bottom of the esophagus, opens to let food in and closes to keep food in the stomach. When this muscle relaxes too often or for too long, acid refluxes back into the esophagus, causing vomiting or heartburn. Everyone has gastroesophageal reflux from time to time. If you have ever burped and had an acid taste in your mouth, you have had reflux.
Related QuestionsHow is GERD diagnosed?
Health InformationYour child's physician will perform a physical examination and obtain a medical history. Diagnostic procedures that may be done to help evaluate GERD include: upper GI (gastrointestinal) series - a diagnostic test that examines the organs of the upper part of the digestive system: the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine).
Related QuestionsFrequently Asked QuestionsAcid burning under the chest or regurgitation of acid into the back of the throat are not the only symptoms of GERD. Nighttime awakening with coughing and choking, chest pain mimicking heart attacks, chronic cough or hoarseness, and even asthma can be due to GERD. Occasionally, we will see patients who have been to the emergency room or their physician multiple times for chest pains that they (the patients and the physicians) thought might be a heart attack.Related Questions
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) FAQs Medical Referenc...Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which your esophagus (food pipe) becomes irritated or inflamed by stomach contents, including acid, backing up from your stomach. This backing up is called reflux. The main symptom is heartburn, but other symptoms may occur.Related Questions
FAQ : Gerd Acid RefluxGERD stands for G astro e sophageal R eflux D isease. Gastroesophageal reflux describes a backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube or esophagus. This acid can irritate and sometimes damage the delicate lining on the inside of the esophagus. Almost everyone experiences gastroesophageal reflux at some time. The usual symptom is heartburn, an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone, most commonly occurring after a meal.Related Questions
untitledAll diseases related to Gastro-Esophageal Reflux (GER) are called GERD - GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease. One of the manifestations of GER is heartburn. However, the refluxed materials can damage the esophageal mucosa and cause ulcers or stricture, it can travel up higher and produce sore throat, laryngitis, hoarseness, chronic cough, or it can travel down the wind pipe specially when sleep at night and cause asthma, chronic lung disease and pneumonia.Related Questions
What is G.e.r.d.?
What Really Causes Heartburn?GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease affects millions of people each year. This catch-all term encompasses a wide array of complaints ranging from "acidic stomach", belching, nausea, bloating, distention, heartburn, hoarseness, esophagitis, gastritis, acid reflux, and asthma-like symptoms.
Related QuestionsI have never heard of GERD. Is it a new disease?
Untitled DocumentNo. GERD has probably been around as long as heartburn. The term is relatively new (about 20 years), however, and has really come into common usage over the past few years. GERD is often called "reflux," "reflux esophagitis," or sometimes even "hiatus hernia" (although hiatus hernia is a specific diagnosis that may or may not have anything to do with GERD).
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