Concerned About GERD?
- Overview
- Symptoms & Causes
- Diagnosis & Treatment
- Resources
Experiencing symptoms of GERD? Our self-assessment tool and expert-backed resources can help you better understand your digestive health, evaluate your risk, and take the first step toward effective treatment.
What’s Next? Take our GERD Assessment
Our comprehensive, personalized assessment can help you evaluate the severity of your symptoms with clinical insights based on your lifestyle, symptoms and background.
Relentlessly Pursuing the Best Health Outcomes for All
Read more about our commitment to innovation, a bold vision for the future, world-class specialists leading the way, and the most compassionate care for our patients and their families.
New What’s Next? Take our GERD Assessment
Our comprehensive, personalized assessment can help you evaluate the severity of your symptoms with clinical insights based on your lifestyle, symptoms and background.
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder in which stomach acid frequently flows back into your esophagus, the long, muscular tube that connects the mouth and stomach. Over time, this acid can irritate the lining of your esophagus, causing pain, discomfort and other symptoms. Usually, GERD is caused by a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that normally relaxes when you swallow, allowing food to enter the stomach. In those with GERD, this ring of muscle is weakened or doesn’t relax as it should, allowing stomach acid or partially-digested food to flow back into the esophagus.
GERD is considered a long-term, frequently-recurring type of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). GER is commonly known as acid indigestion, acid reflux or “heartburn.” Most people experience GER every once in a while, but if you regurgitate stomach acid frequently, you may have GERD.
If left untreated long-term, GERD can sometimes cause serious and even life-threatening complications in rare cases. GERD has been connected to a slightly higher risk of esophageal cancer, especially in those who experience symptoms frequently. GERD can also cause a related condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which can increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer even more.
FAQs
You should consult a healthcare provider if:
You experience heartburn or acid reflux more than twice a week.
Symptoms persist despite using over-the-counter medications.
You have difficulty swallowing, persistent nausea or vomiting, or unexplained weight loss.
You experience chest pain, especially if it radiates to your arm or is accompanied by shortness of breath—this could be a sign of a more serious condition.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing GERD, including:
Being overweight or obese.
Pregnancy.
Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
Eating large meals or lying down soon after eating.
Consuming trigger foods like fatty or fried items, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, or spicy foods.
Having a hiatal hernia or delayed stomach emptying.
Diagnosis typically begins with a review of your symptoms and medical history. If further evaluation is needed, your doctor may recommend:
Upper endoscopy to examine the esophagus and stomach.
Ambulatory acid (pH) monitoring to measure acid levels in the esophagus.
Esophageal manometry to assess muscle function in the esophagus.
X-rays of the upper digestive tract after swallowing a contrast material.
Lifestyle changes are often the first step in managing GERD:
Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Avoid lying down for at least 2–3 hours after eating.
Elevate the head of your bed.
Avoid trigger foods and beverages.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
Treatment options include:
Lifestyle modifications (as mentioned above).
Over-the-counter medications like antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Prescription medications for more severe or persistent symptoms.
Surgical options, such as fundoplication, may be considered if other treatments fail.
Yes, many people find relief using:
Antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox) for quick, short-term relief.
H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine) to reduce acid production.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole) for longer-lasting acid suppression.
Start getting the digestive care you need
Stay up-to-date on the latest news from Hoag
By submitting this request, you agree to receive communications from Hoag and accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.