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.

Diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) usually begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical examination. In many cases, this is enough for your doctor to make a diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan. If your symptoms are more persistent or suggest there may be other factors involved, your doctor may recommend additional tests. These help ensure an accurate diagnosis and allow for a treatment approach that’s tailored to your individual needs and long-term well-being.

Lifestyle Changes

There’s no known way to definitely prevent yourself from developing GERD. However, there are certain steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition. These may include:

• Eat a balanced, healthy diet

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Don’t smoke

• If you experience acid reflux at night, elevate your head 6-8 inches with extra pillows or a foam wedge, or by placing blocks or risers under the feet of your headboard

• Sleep on your left side, which may make it less likely you’ll experience reflux

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

• Tell your doctor if you begin experiencing acid reflux or GERD symptoms while taking certain medicines (see above.)

Diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) usually begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical examination. In many cases, this is enough for your doctor to make a diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan. If your symptoms are more persistent or suggest there may be other factors involved, your doctor may recommend additional tests. These help ensure an accurate diagnosis and allow for a treatment approach that’s tailored to your individual needs and long-term well-being.