What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is a condition that causes frequent heartburn (a burning feeling behind the breastbone) or damage to the lining of the esophagus (the tube that carries food between the throat and stomach).  It occurs when stomach contents, including acid, which normally move forward through the body, flow back into the esophagus.  GERD is common.  About 15-20% of people in the United States have heartburn or acid reflux at least once a week.  Seven percent of people experience those symptoms every day.

What are the symptoms of GERD?

A variety of symptoms occur with GERD. Frequent or continuous heartburn is the major symptom.  Other symptoms include acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, hoarse voice or loss of voice, cough, and difficulty swallowing.  If GERD is not treated, the esophagus can be injured over time.  It can become painful or narrower.  The cells lining the esophagus may become abnormal.  This can lead to the development of cancer.

What causes GERD?

The place where the esophagus joins the stomach is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES acts like a gate between the esophagus and the stomach. It blocks stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. The most common cause of GERD is due to changes to the LES “gate.” The “gate” may become “loose” or relax at the wrong time.

Symptoms of GERD may also result from increased pressure in the belly.  Pressure can be caused by being overweight or pregnant, having abnormal fluid in the belly,

or even by wearing tight clothes.  In addition you might feel symptoms when the stomach contents are near the LES.  This occurs when you are lying down, bending over, or if you have a hiatal hernia (a condition that occurs when the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm). Not having enough saliva can cause symptoms.  Emotional stress may cause GERD to be worse, especially for people with high levels of anxiety.