About Us | Privacy | Site Map
May 16, 2012
Font Size
A
A
A
1
2
3
...
Next»

Acid Reflux (GERD)

Medical Author:
P John Simic, MD
Coauthor:
Vincent W Yang, MD, PhD
Medical Editor:
John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

View Full Profile

GERD Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of GERD?

Chronic acid reflux leads to uncomplicated GERD, but not everyone with GERD has heartburn. The primary symptoms of GERD are heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea.

Heartburn usually is described as a burning pain in the middle of the chest. It may start high in the abdomen or may extend up into the neck. Sometimes the pain may be sharp or pressure-like, rather than burning. Such pain can mimic heart pain (angina). In other patients, the pain may extend to the back. Typically heartburn related to GERD is seen more commonly after a meal. Other symptoms of GERD include:

Hoarseness. If acid reflux gets past the upper esophageal sphincter, it can enter the throat (pharynx) and even the voice box (larynx), causing hoarseness or a sore throat.

SOURCE:
WebMD.com. Understanding GERD -- Symptoms.

Read more about GERD symptoms »

Acid Reflux (GERD) Overview

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the esophagus becomes irritated or inflamed because of acid backing up from the stomach. The esophagus or food pipe is the tube stretching from the throat to the stomach. When food is swallowed, it travels down the esophagus.

The stomach produces hydrochloric acid after a meal to aid in the digestion of food.

  • The inner lining of the stomach resists corrosion by this acid. The cells that line the stomach secrete large amounts of protective mucus.
  • The lining of the esophagus does not share these resistant features and stomach acid can damage it.
  • The esophagus lies just behind the heart, so the term heartburn was coined to describe the sensation of acid burning the esophagus.

Normally, a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, prevents reflux (or backing up) of acid.

  • This sphincter relaxes during swallowing to allow food to pass. It then tightens to prevent flow in the opposite direction.
  • With GERD, however, the sphincter relaxes between swallows, allowing stomach contents and corrosive acid to well up and damage the lining of the esophagus.

GERD affects 25%-40% of the adult population of the United States to some degree at some point. About 10% of adults experience GERD weekly or daily. Not just adults are affected; even infants and children can have GERD.

Acid Reflux (GERD) Causes

No one knows the exact cause of gastroesophageal reflux. The following are contributing factors that weaken or relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making reflux worse:

  • Lifestyle: Use of alcohol or cigarettes, obesity, poor posture (slouching)
  • Medications: Calcium channel blockers, theophylline (Tedral, Hydrophed, Marax, Bronchial, Quibron), nitrates, antihistamines
  • Diet: Fatty and fried foods, chocolate, garlic and onions, drinks with caffeine, acid foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, spicy foods, mint flavorings
  • Eating habits: - Eating large meals, eating soon before bedtime
  • Other medical conditions:  Hiatal hernia, pregnancy, diabetes, rapid weight gain

Hiatal hernia is a condition when the upper part of the stomach protrudes up above the diaphragm (the strong muscle that separates the organs of the chest from those of the abdomen).

  • Normally, the diaphragm acts as an additional barrier, helping the lower esophageal sphincter keep acid from backing up into the esophagus.
  • Hiatal hernia can be caused by persistent coughing, vomiting, straining, or sudden physical exertion. Obesity and pregnancy can make the condition worse.
  • A hiatal hernia makes it easier for the acid to back up.
  • Hiatal hernia is very common in people older than 50 years.
  • Hiatal hernia usually requires no treatment. In rare cases when the hernia becomes twisted or is making GERD worse, surgery may be required.
Next Page:
Acid Reflux (GERD) Symptoms»
1
2
3
...
Next»

Viewer Comments & Reviews

GERD - Proton Pump Inhibitors

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Heartburn symptoms caused by GERD are usually relieved by drugs called proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium, Zegerid); however, proton pump inhibitors sometimes do not work well. If your symptoms were not relieved by treatment with proton pump inhibitors, can you please describe your GERD symptoms that did not improve? If you have other treatments that have been effective, please comment on those.

View 26 Comments | Submit Your Comment

GERD - Symptoms and Signs

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What were your GERD symptoms and signs?

View 7 Comments | Submit Your Comment
Privacy Policy

GI Disorders

Get the latest treatment options.



Acid Reflux (GERD)

GERD and Heartburn Medications »

What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)/Heartburn?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that causes the esophagus to become irritated and inflamed because acid (gastric juices) from the stomach and also duodenal juices (for example, bile, pancreatic secretions) leak back or reflux into the esophagus.

Heartburn is an uncomfortable but common feeling of burning or warmth in the chest. Although the burning associated with heartburn is felt in the chest, it has nothing to do with the heart. Instead, heartburn is a typical symptom due to GERD.

What Causes GERD and Heartburn?

The food a person swallows travels from the mouth to the stomach through a hollow tube called the esophagus (the food pipe). Before entering the stomach, food must pass through a tight muscle at the lower part of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a defense mechanism that prevents food from traveling ba...

Read the GERD and Heartburn Medications article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease »

Gastroesophageal reflux is a normal physiological phenomenon experienced intermittently by most people, particularly after a meal.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

Featured Topics

Topics Related to Acid Reflux Disease (GERD)

Heartburn Topics

Medical Dictionary


or A-Z List
Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick,
    easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including
    24 hour
    pharmacies