Concerned About 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.

The symptoms of GERD are different for every patient. However, the most common symptom is frequently-recurring acid reflux (AKA “heartburn”), which is a painful, burning sensation in the center of your chest, usually after eating. This sensation, which is caused by stomach acid and partially-digested stomach contents being regurgitated into the esophagus, may become worse after you lie down.

Though rare, GERD has been linked to a slightly-increased risk of esophageal cancer. If left untreated long-term, GERD can sometimes also lead to the development of a condition called Barrett’s Esophagus, in which the lining of the esophagus becomes thickened and red due to repeated exposure to stomach acid. Having Barrett’s esophagus boosts the risk of developing esophageal cancer even more.

Other common symptoms of GERD may include:

• Chest pain

• Recurring nausea

• Trouble swallowing, or pain when swallowing

• Chronic or recurring cough

• Having a hoarse speaking voice

• Feeling like there’s a “lump in your throat”

• New or more frequent asthma attacks

It's important to note that not everyone with these risk factors will develop GERD. The exact cause of GERD may vary from person to person.

• Being overweight or obese

• Being pregnant

• Having a hiatal hernia, which is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach can move up into the chest

• Smoking

• Taking certain medicines, including: Benzodiazepines, Tricyclic antidepressants, Certain asthma medicines, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),Calcium channel blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure

Other factors that may contribute to GERD include stress and autoimmune disorders.