GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux)

What do you mean by GERD?

Gastroesophageal Reflux, also known as GERD, is a chronic digestive disease in which the stomach acid or stomach content moves back up into the food pipe and irritates the lining of a person’s esophagus.

What causes GERD?

A number of factors are responsible for GERD, namely:

• Hiatal hernia
• Dietary and lifestyle choices (consumption of fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chocolate etc.)
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Pregnancy

What are the symptoms of GERD?

The most common symptoms of GERD are:

• Heart burn (burning sensation in the chest)
• Taste of stomach fluid back into the mouth
• Pain in chest
• Problem swallowing
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Sensation of lump in throat

How can GERD be treated?

GERD can be treated by:

• Over-the-counter medicines to control acid that includes antacids and medicines to reduce or block acid production
• Prescription- strength medicines
• Surgery (To reinforce or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter)