Reflux Info

GERD, or gastro esophageal reflux disease, is a relatively common symptom to the damage of the mucous lining in the esophagus. This damage is caused by acid coming up from the stomach and into the esophagus, which happens when the lower esophageal sphincter loses its function that prevents the acid from coming back up.

Treatment options for GERD include lifestyle adjustments, medical treatments and surgery. Certain foods that cause reflux in the individual should be avoided, exercise should be taken up, and eating before going to bed should be avoided.

Medications for GERD include proton-pump inhibitors, antacids and H2 receptor blockers. Though usually effective, GERD medications will likely remove the symptoms for up to a year before they come back. Surgery, on the other hand, has proven to be more effective, with a possible long term period without symptoms after the surgery.

Heartburn Information

Most people have heartburn at some time, perhaps after a large meal. However, about 1 in 3 adults have some heartburn every few days, and nearly 1 in 10 adults have heartburn at least once a day. In many cases it is mild and soon passes. However, it is quite common for symptoms to be frequent or severe enough to affect quality of life.

GERD Treatment Guidelines

Further diagnostic testing should be considered in patients who do not respond to acid suppression therapy and in patients with a chronic history of GERD who are at risk for complications. Chronic reflux has been suspected to play a major role in the development of Barrett's esophagus.

Reflux Guidelines by SAGES

Surgical treatment of GERD is well established and in selected clinical situations provides well recognized benefits over non-surgical treatment. The 360o or Nissen type fundoplication has emerged as the most widely accepted procedure for patients with normal esophageal motility.

NIDDK GERD Info

When acid reflux occurs, food or fluid can be tasted in the back of the mouth. When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus it may cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn or acid indigestion. Persistent reflux that occurs more than twice a week is considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems.

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