Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects 5 to 7 percent of Americans.
GERD involves a backup of stomach acid into the esophagus, the tube that moves food from your throat to your stomach.
GERD occurs when the valve (sphincter) that closes off the esophagus from the stomach weakens or relaxes and lets in acid and partly digested food.
Heartburn is not the same thing as GERD but is a common symptom of this chronic disease.
GERD can affect anyone from babies to adults.
Children sometimes outgrow GERD, but in adults it is often a lifelong condition.
A baby who throws up or is fussy after feeding could be suffering from GERD.
GERD is usually painful for two reasons: The backup (reflux) of acid triggers nerves in the esophagus and causes heartburn, and the acid can damage the lining of the esophagus.
Stomach ulcers and several other conditions have symptoms similar to those of GERD.
Pregnancy can bring on GERD in the expectant mother.
GERD is linked to many other conditions, including asthma, hiatal hernias, the connective tissue disease scleroderma and, especially in children, ear and sinus infections.
Drinking alcohol and smoking can trigger GERD, as can wearing tight clothing.
Many foods can set off GERD, including chocolate, coffee, carbonated drinks, citrus, tomatoes, onions, garlic, mustard, vinegar, spicy foods, sugary foods and fatty foods.
Often a doctor can diagnose GERD from a patient's description of symptoms, but sometimes tests are needed to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other conditions.
Lifestyle changes including weight loss and improvements in diet and exercise often help relieve GERD.
Walking is often recommended, especially after meals.
Many medications, such as antacids, can treat GERD.
There are several surgical options if lifestyle improvements and drugs don't work.
Elevating the head of the bed is a common way to ease symptoms of GERD.
Practicing good posture also helps. Sitting up straight allows gravity to aid digestion.
See your physician if you have trouble swallowing, painful swallowing, unintentional weight loss, vomiting or spitting up of blood.
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