Still, there are some typical telltale signs of GERD.
Other common symptoms of GERD:
Causes and Risk Factors of GERD
Stomach acid helps digest food.
When that acid flows up into the esophagus, it causes irritation that leads to the symptoms of GERD.
It relaxes and opens when youre swallowing to allow food through.
GERD happens when the LES relaxes and opens up when you arent swallowing.
This allows your stomach contents to flow back up the esophagus.
However, there are various conditions that can cause it to relax.
Some pregnant women experience heartburn as often as every day.
(4)
Other causes and risk factors:
How Is GERD Diagnosed?
Your doctor will work with you to determine if you have GERD.
But again, severity and frequency will vary by individual.
(8)
How long a person lives with GERD is also very dependent on the individual.
Some patients with dietary adjustments can reverse the triggers leading to GERD, Khan says.
Treatment and Medication Options for GERD
Your doctor may recommend a number of different treatments for GERD.
They will discuss a personalized approach with you to prevent future episodes.
Also known as a peptic stricture, this condition can cause problems with swallowing.
It can lead to pain, bleeding, and problems with swallowing.
Barretts esophagusincreases your risk of esophageal cancer by a factor of about 30.
(2,3)
Esophageal CancerThis cancer can arise from years of untreated GERD.
(3)
Research and Statistics: How Many People Have GERD?
About 20 percent of the U.S. population experiences GERD.
Men and women seem to be about equally likely to experience GERD.
GERD may also trigger respiratory problems like asthma.
GERD may be confused witheosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic disease of the esophagus.
Both heartburn and a developing heart attack can cause chest pain that goes away after a while.
Your doctor will help you decide if you should come in for further evaluation.
Getting control over one of these conditions can help alleviate the other.
Proper identification and diagnosis of these conditions is essential for treatment.
The website has information on symptoms of GERD and other GI conditions and treatment options.
Dont miss theanimated video on YouTubeon preventing GERD during the holidays.
(Its actually useful anytime you might not be in control of your menu.)
American College of Gastroenterology
The American College of Gastroenterology is a professional association of gastroenterologists and GI professionals.
The site also provides dietary tips on foods to avoid and other ways to reduce triggers.
Her blog covers topics from meditation to healthy eating, including her personal experience with GERD and gut inflammation.
Additional reporting byMark Henricks.
He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and attended medical school at Indiana University.
Ashley Welch has more than a decade of experience in both breaking news and long-form storytelling.
As a former staff member at Everyday Health, she covered a wide range of chronic conditions and diseases.
She enjoys yoga and is an aspiring runner.
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