GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic condition where acid frequently escapes the stomach and into the esophagus where it causes the most common symptom of a burning sensation. Anyone can have occasional heartburn but if you experiencer it at least once a week (many have it every day) then you are said to have GERD.
Other Symptoms
Heartburn is the main symptom but there are others too. Some people experience regurgitation of acid into the mouth where a foul taste is discovered. The acid can even erode the teeth over time. Another less common symptom is a hoarseness of the voice due to acid affecting the vocal chords. Some may also experience difficulty swallowing.
Causes & Risk Factors
GERD is caused when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that separates the esophagus and the stomach does not do its job properly. Normally, it should be closed unless food is passing down into the stomach. But in some people it can malfunction and allow acid out.
If you are overweight then you are at greater risk. This is because the stomach becomes distended due to the large amount of food and this in turn causes the LES to malfunction and remain open for long periods.
A significant minority of people may have a hiatus hernia. This is a condition where part of the stomach is squeezed or herniated through the small gap in the diaphragm. This is not life threatening but it does weaken the LES.
Smoking, alcohol intake, family history and advanced age are also risk factors for GERD.
Diagnosis
Often no testing is required. If your doctor notices that you have chronic heartburn and drugs clear it up then he will not run any other tests. If your symptoms are unusual or you’ve been having them for some time or drugs do not make any difference then you may have a number of tests.
An endoscopy is when a camera is put through the mouth and into the stomach to check for hiatal hernia. A pH test can also be done. A very thin tube is placed just above the LES and the acidity (pH) is monitored over a day or two.
Treatment
The good news is that there are a number of ways to treat GERD.
Proton pump inhibitors are used by most people. Thse are a class of drugs that inhibit production of stomach acid. There are few long term side effects but one of them is a greater risk of osteoporosis.
Otherwise you may want to consider natural remedies or lifestyle changes.