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GERD is an acronym for gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD is a very common condition. GERD results from the relaxation of the muscles around the entrance to the stomach, which allows a back flow of food, stomach acid and digestive enzymes up into the esophagus. This is called acid reflux.
Ongoing acid reflux can lead to inflammation of the esophagus and GERD. Typical symptoms of GERD include a burning sensation in the upper abdomen and chest, heartburn, and indigestion. Some people with GERD may also have a condition called hiatal hernia, which can aggravate symptoms of GERD.
Complications of untreated GERD include the development of esophageal ulcers, scarring of the esophagus, Barrett's esophagus, and increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. For more details about symptoms and complications, see symptoms of GERD.
GERD is most common in people who smoke, are overweight or obese, are pregnant, and/or are older or elderly.
Diagnosing GERD and its root cause begins with taking a thorough personal and family medical history, including symptoms, and completing a physical examination.
Diagnostic testing generally includes an endoscopy procedure. In this procedure, a special lighted instrument is inserted through the mouth and throat into the esophagus and stomach. This instrument, called an endoscope, takes pictures of the esophagus and stomach and/or sends images to a computer monitor.
Another test that might be performed is esophageal manometry. This test measures the pressure and contractions of the muscles of the esophagus. This can determine if the esophageal muscles around the entrance to the stomach are abnormally relaxed, which can allow stomach contents to back up into the esophagus. Other tests may include tests that measure the amount of stomach acid that is produced.
A diagnosis of GERD and its cause may be delayed or missed because symptoms of GERD may be mild or intermittent and for other reasons. For more information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of GERD.
Many cases of GERD can be prevented with lifestyle changes, such as not smoking and not drinking acidic beverages or alcohol to excess. There are also many other ways to prevent acid reflux and control the severity of GERD. These include losing excessive weight, avoiding large meals and eating several small meals every day. It is also important to avoid eating late at night or up to two hours before bedtime. Clothing should be loose and not increase pressure on or constrict the abdomen. People with GERD may need to sleep in a semi-upright position, which allows gravity to help keep stomach acid from flowing up into the esophagus.
Treatment of GERD may also include the use of antacids and other medications. If GERD is caused by a hiatal hernia, treatment will include addressing the hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernia and severe cases of GERD may require hospitalization and surgery. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of GERD....more »
Heartburn: Reflux refers to the stomach acid rising up the "wrong way" back up the esophagus and sometimes into the mouth. Pain from reflux is called heartburn. Chronic reflux that reoccurs or persists may be caused by GERD....more »
A diagnosis of GERD and its underlying cause may be delayed or missed because the symptoms of GERD may not be severe enough or last long enough for a person to seek medical care.
Symptoms of GERD can also be similar to symptoms of a wide variety of other diseases and conditions. These include angina, indigestion, biliary colic, gastroenteritis, and gallstones. ...more misdiagnosis »
The following medical conditions are some of the possible
causes of Heartburn.
There are likely to be other possible causes, so ask your doctor
about your symptoms.
See full list of 163 causes of Heartburn
» Review Causes of Heartburn: Causes | Symptom Checker » | Assessment Questionnaire »
Home medical tests possibly related to Heartburn:
Review the causes of these more specific types of Heartburn:
Review causes of types of Heartburn in more specific categories:
Review causes of more specific types of Heartburn:
See full list of 9 types for Heartburn
Listed below are some combinations of symptoms associated with Heartburn, as listed in our database. Visit the Symptom Checker, to add and remove symptoms and research your condition.
See full list of 501 Symptom Checkers for Heartburn
Treatment plans for GERD are individualized depending on the underlying cause, the presence of coexisting diseases, the age and medical history of the patient, and other factors. Treatment generally involves a multifaceted plan that addresses the cause, minimizes the discomfort of heartburn and indigestion, and decreases the risk of developing ...Heartburn Treatments
Some of the possible treatments listed in sources for treatment of Heartburn may include:
Review further information on Heartburn Treatments.
Alternative treatments or home remedies that have been listed as possibly helpful for Heartburn may include:
Real-life user stories relating to Heartburn:
Symptom specific forums: The following patient stories in our interactive forums and message boards relate to Heartburn or relevant symptoms:
Various tests are used in the diagnosis of Heartburn. Some of these are listed below :
See full list of 27
diagnostic tests for Heartburn
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The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible
causes of Heartburn as a symptom.
Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using,
including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.
See full list of 350
medications causing Heartburn
When combined, certain drugs, medications, substances or toxins may react causing Heartburn as a symptom. Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.
See full list of 38 drug interactions causing Heartburn
Some of the comorbid or associated medical symptoms for Heartburn may include these symptoms:
See all associated comorbid symptoms for Heartburn
Research the causes of these more general types of symptom:
Research the causes of these symptoms that are similar to, or related to, the symptom Heartburn:
During a consultation, your doctor will use various techniques to assess the symptom: Heartburn. These will include a physical examination and possibly diagnostic tests. (Note: A physical exam is always done, diagnostic tests may or may not be performed depending on the suspected condition) Your doctor will ask several questions when assessing your condition. It is important to openly share any pertinent information to help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis.
It is also very important to bring an up-to-date list of all of your all medical conditions, medications including dosages, and names of numbers of any specialist you see.
Create your printable checklist here.
See Heartburn Assessment Questionnaire (34 listings)
Read more about causes and Heartburn deaths.
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Read more about Misdiagnosis and Heartburn
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Research extensive quality ratings and patient safety measures for hospitals, clinics and medical facilities in health specialties related to Heartburn:
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Rare types of medical conditions and diseases in related medical categories:
Conditions that are commonly undiagnosed in related areas may include:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly, and stomach contents splash back, or reflux, into the esophagus. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a camera shutter between the esophagus and stomach. The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth, and this is called acid indigestion. Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD, which can eventually lead to more serious health problems. (Source: excerpt from Heartburn, Hiatal Hernia, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): NIDDK)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly, and stomach contents splash back, or reflux, into the esophagus. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a camera shutter between the esophagus and stomach. The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth, and this is called acid indigestion. Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD, which can eventually lead to more serious health problems. (Source: excerpt from Heartburn, Hiatal Hernia, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): NIDDK)
Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of GERD. Anyone experiencing heartburn twice a week or more may have GERD. (Source: excerpt from Heartburn, Hiatal Hernia, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): NIDDK)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter ... (Source: excerpt from Heartburn, Hiatal Hernia, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): NIDDK)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal... (Source: excerpt from Heartburn, Hiatal Hernia, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): NIDDK)
Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of GERD.... (Source: excerpt from Heartburn, Hiatal Hernia, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): NIDDK)
Heartburn: SYN: pyrosis.
Source: Stedman's Medical Spellchecker, © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
A painful burning sensation in the chest caused by gastroesophageal reflux (backflow from the stomach irritating the esophagus); symptomatic of an ulcer or a diaphragmatic hernia or other disorder
- (Source - WordNet 2.1)
The list of organs typically affected by Heartburn may include, but is not limited to:
The list below shows some of the causes of Heartburn mentioned in various sources:
See full list of 163 causes of Heartburn
This information refers to the general prevalence and incidence of these diseases, not to how likely they are to be the actual cause of Heartburn. Of the 163 causes of Heartburn that we have listed, we have the following prevalence/incidence information:
See the analysis of the prevalence of 163 causes of Heartburn
The following list of conditions have 'Heartburn' or similar listed as a symptom in our database. This computer-generated list may be inaccurate or incomplete. Always seek prompt professional medical advice about the cause of any symptom.
Select from the following alphabetical view of conditions which include a symptom of Heartburn or choose View All.
The following list of medical conditions have Heartburn or similar listed as a medical complication in our database. The distinction between a symptom and complication is not always clear, and conditions mentioning this symptom as a complication may also be relevant. This computer-generated list may be inaccurate or incomplete. Always seek prompt professional medical advice about the cause of any symptom.
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Medical story forums: If you have a medical story then we want to hear it.
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Depending on the seriousness of the onset of Heartburn, you may want to consult one of the following medical professionals.
Important:In extreme cases, always seek advice from emergency services :
Subtypes of Heartburn:
Acid regurgitation (2 causes), Epigastric pain (93 causes), Gastroesophageal reflux (53 causes), Pyrosis (9 causes)
Medical Conditions associated with Heartburn:
Digestive symptoms (5299 causes), Abdominal pain (2568 causes), Burning symptoms (446 causes), Heart symptoms (2927 causes), Pain (6458 causes), Paresthesias (453 causes), Abdominal symptoms (5930 causes), Tingling (951 causes), Nerve symptoms (9132 causes), Common symptoms (8589 causes), Sensory symptoms (7134 causes), Chest symptoms (1355 causes), Esophageal symptoms (3079 causes), Digestive system symptoms (5299 causes), Sensations (6520 causes), Skin symptoms (5992 causes), Throat symptoms (3410 causes), Brain symptoms (2787 causes), Neurological symptoms (9575 causes), Respiratory symptoms (5166 causes), Skin problems (3422 causes), Mouth symptoms (6864 causes), Cardiovascular symptoms (3192 causes), Body symptoms (5672 causes), Breathing symptoms (3381 causes), Breath symptoms (3023 causes), Temperature symptoms (2497 causes), Head symptoms (10192 causes), Face symptoms (8109 causes)
Symptoms related to Heartburn:
Reflux, Chest pain (1053 causes), Throat pain (85 causes), Taste symptoms (94 causes), GERD (163 causes), Gastroesophageal reflux disease (163 causes), Burning chest (16 causes), Acidity, Peptic ulcer, Antacids, Lower oesophageal sphincter, Oesophageal motility disorders
Doctor-patient articles related to symptoms and diagnosis:
These general medical articles may be of interest:
See full list of premium articles on symptoms and diagnosis
Our news pages contain the following medical news summaries about Heartburn and many other medical conditions:
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