Concerned About GERD?
GERD is a common digestive disorder that often goes undiagnosed and unmanaged. If you're experiencing symptoms like acid reflux, chest discomfort, or trouble swallowing, take our self-assessment and see what your body is trying to tell you.
- 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 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.
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Symptoms
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
Causes and Risk Factors
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.
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How GERD is diagnosed
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.
Common procedures
Treatment & Prevention
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.)
Medications
Surgery (Rare)
Advanced Treatment Options
How GERD is diagnosed
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.
Programs and services
Ranked as one of the top hospitals in the nation for digestive care, Hoag offers a full continuum of care to improve your health and well-being.
Foregut (Esophagus & Stomach) Program
Digestive Institute
The Foregut (Esophagus & Stomach) Program at Hoag offers a patient-centered, integrated team approach to the care of esophageal and stomach conditions.
More about this programAdvanced Endoscopy Program
Digestive Institute
Advanced endoscopy offers several advantages over traditional endoscopy techniques in diagnosing and treating various digestive health conditions.
More about this programBariatric Surgery Weight Loss Program
Digestive Institute
The nationally accredited program at Hoag takes a holistic approach to bariatric care, providing a full spectrum of care.
More about this programStart getting the digestive care you need
GERD 101
Looking to learn more about GERD and how it may be affecting your health? Explore our curated library of articles, research, and expert insights designed to help you better understand your symptoms and treatment options.
