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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) FAQs

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease FAQs Introduction

The chest pain of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be confused with pain from a heart problem. If you have any of the following, call your doctor and/or go immediately to the closest hospital emergency department:

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the esophagus (food pipe) becomes irritated or inflamed by stomach contents, including acid, backing up from the stomach. This backing up is called reflux. The main symptom is heartburn, but other symptoms may occur.

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning pain in the center of the chest, behind the breastbone (see Media file 1). It often starts in the upper abdomen and spreads up into the neck. It usually starts about 30-60 minutes after eating and can last as long as 2 hours. Lying down or bending over can bring on heartburn or make it worse. It is sometimes referred to as acid indigestion. Not everyone with GERD has heartburn.



Next: Does GERD affect my heart? »

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) FAQs

Cancer of the Esophagus Introduction

The esophagus is a muscular tube measuring 20-25 cm (8-10 in) long and 2-3 cm (0.75-1.25 in) wide that serves as a conduit for moving food and drink from the mouth to the stomach. Two major types of esophageal cancers exist, as follows:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma arises from the epithelial cells that line the esophagus.
  • Adenocarcinoma arises from the esophageal glands or within a segment of Barrett esophagus.
  • Most tumors occur in the lower esophagus.

    • Forty percent occur in the lowest third.
    • Forty-five percent occur in the middle third.
    • Fifteen percent occur in the upper third.

Risk Factors

Both types of esophageal cancer more commonly affect men older than 60 years, but risk factors for adenocarcinoma are different from those of squamous cell car...

Read the Cancer of the Esophagus article »



Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease »

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

Read More on eMedicine »

Medical Dictionary