Frequently Asked Questions

Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is a digestive disorder that causes acid indigestion or heartburn.

Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of GERD. Heartburn is described as a burning chest pain that begins behind the breastbone and moves upward to the neck and throat. It can last as long as 2 hours and is often worse after eating. Lying down or bending over can also result in heartburn. Heartburn pain is less likely to be associated with physical activity. Symptoms of GERD may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Possibly. Heartburn may mimic other, more serious conditions. Heartburn pain can be mistaken for the pain associated with heart disease or a heart attack. Severe heartburn may be due to a serious medical condition, such as a ruptured abdominal organ or heart attack. See a physician when heartburn persists or when an over-the-counter antacid or acid-reducer does not relieve the burning feeling within a short amount of time (from a few seconds to five minutes). Seek immediate medical attention if:

• You suffer sudden, severe chest pain.
• Pain is accompanied by sweating, light-headedness and nausea.

GERD is believed to be the result of condition called hiatal hernia, which affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The typical cause of heartburn is when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The LES, a muscle located at the bottom of the esophagus, opens to let food in and closes to keep it in the stomach. When this muscle relaxes too often or for too long, acid refluxes back into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Other medical causes of heartburn include gastritis (an inflammation of the stomach) and ulcer disease.

Lifestyle factors that contribute to GERD include

• being overweight
• overeating
• consuming certain foods, such as citrus, peppermint, chocolate, fatty, and spicy foods
• caffeine
• alcohol
• smoking
• use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen
•  

GERD is diagnosed by performing an upper GI (gastrointestinal) series, an endoscopy, a Bernstein test, esophageal manometric studies and pH testing.

Specific treatment for your case of GERD will be determined by your physician(s) based on your age, overall health, and medical history; the extent of the disease; your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies; your expectations for the course of the disease and your opinion or preference. In many cases, GERD can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes and/or medication prescribed by your physician. In some cases, surgery is necessary to correct the problem.

Smoking cessation; limiting fried, spicy and fatty foods; lowering consumption of chocolate, alcohol, coffee, caffeine, citrus and tomato products; eating smaller portions; avoiding overeating; losing excess weight; avoiding laying down immediately after eating; and elevating the head of your bed.

Surgery to correct GERD, known as a Nissen fundoplication procedure, is performed in cases where lifestyle modifications and medication have not been effective. This surgery can often be performed laparoscopically, which causes less pain and decreases recovery time. Surgery is indicated when a patient has severe chronic heartburn that disrupts his or her daily activities and is unresponsive to medication. Surgery may also be beneficial for patients under 50 who face a lifetime of medication, as well as those who find purchasing medication to be a financial burden. Surgery is also an option for patients who prefer to have a single procedure rather than long-term drug therapy. Patients interested in GERD surgery must be carefully screened to determine if they are candidate