Understanding GERD - Symptoms, Causes, and Management

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What does Gerd mean?

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. This is the medical term for chronic acid reflux in your esophagus. Acid reflux is considered chronic when you’ve had it at least twice a week for several weeks. Temporary conditions can cause temporary acid reflux. But GERD is a constant, mechanical problem.

What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when the contents of your stomach persistently move back up into your esophagus. These contents sometimes contain excessive acid and may cause irritation and pain. Many people may experience acid reflux, indigestion, or heartburn from time to time.

How common is Gerd?

This lets the stomach's contents flow up into the esophagus. More than 60 million American adults have heartburn at least once a month, and more than 15 million adults have heartburn every day, including many pregnant women. Recent studies show that GERD in infants and children is more common than doctors thought.

Who can have Gerd?

Anyone, including infants and children, can have GERD. If not treated, it can lead to more serious health problems. In some cases, you might need medicines or surgery. However, many people can improve their symptoms by:

What causes GERD?

GERD may develop if your lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak or relaxes when it shouldn’t. Factors that may affect the lower esophageal sphincter and lead to GERD include Some medicines can cause GERD or make GERD symptoms worse. Examples include A hiatal hernia can also increase the chance of getting GERD or make GERD symptoms worse.

What Is GERD

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd
3. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux
4. https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/reflux-disease-gerd-1
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17019-acid-reflux-gerd
6. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/home/digestive-disorders/esophageal-and-swallowing-disorders/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd
7. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd

GERD Information

1. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults
2. https://medlineplus.gov/gerd.html