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Health Information and Tools >  Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Condition Basics

Location of stomach, with detail of acid backing up into esophagus.

What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Reflux means that stomach acid and juices flow from the stomach back up into the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. This causes heartburn. When you have heartburn that bothers you often, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This can also cause pain and swelling in your esophagus (esophagitis).

Eating too much late at night or before lying down sometimes can cause heartburn and a sour taste in the mouth. But having heartburn from time to time doesn't mean that you have GERD. With GERD, the reflux and heartburn last longer and happen more often.

What causes it?

Normally when you swallow food, it travels down the esophagus. A valve opens to let the food pass into the stomach, and then the valve closes. With GERD, the valve doesn't close tightly enough. Stomach acid and juices from the stomach flow back up (reflux) into the esophagus.

What are the symptoms of GERD?

The main symptom of GERD is ongoing heartburn. It may feel like a burning, warmth, or pain just behind the breastbone. You may also have a sour or bitter taste in your mouth. It is common to have symptoms at night when you're trying to sleep.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor may ask about your symptoms, such as whether you often have heartburn. If you do, your doctor may recommend a medicine that reduces or blocks stomach acid. If your heartburn goes away after you take the medicine, your doctor will probably diagnose GERD.

How is GERD treated?

Treatment starts with changing your habits and taking over-the-counter medicines. For example, eating several small meals a day instead of three large ones may help. Try medicines such as antacids (like Tums) or H2 blockers (like Pepcid). If symptoms persist, a doctor may suggest more testing, a change in medicine, or surgery.

What can you do to reduce your symptoms?

Take your medicines as directed. These may include prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Eat several small meals a day. Avoid foods that make your GERD worse, like chocolate, mint, and spicy foods. After eating, wait 2 to 3 hours before lying down. For night-time symptoms, raise the head of your bed 15 to 20 centimetres.

Information about Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

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Information about Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Current as of: October 19, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff

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