Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) FAQs
Medical Author:
Kathryn L Hale, MS, PA-C
Coauthor:
Vincent W Yang, MD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Simmy Bank, MD, MB, ChB
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
BS Anand, MD
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease FAQs IntroductionThe 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. |
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) FAQs
Laryngitis Overview
Laryngitis is the medical term for inflammation and swelling of the larynx, which is also known as the voice box. Most of the causes of laryngitis, such as common viruses infections or using your voice too much, are not serious. A few causes, however, require medical attention and can be cause for concern such as laryngeal cancer.
Laryngitis Causes
Laryngitis is usually caused by a virus or occurs in people who overuse their voice. Occasionally, a person may develop laryngitis from bacterial infections, and rarely, from infections such as tuberculosis, syphilis, or a fungal infection. People with prolonged laryngitis should see their doctor to be checked for tumors, some of which may be cancerous. Smokers and those who consume alcohol are especially at risk for cancer.
Laryngitis Contagious
If the laryngitis is from a viral or bacterial infection, it is possible that t...
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease »
Gastroesophageal reflux is a normal physiological phenomenon experienced intermittently by most people, particularly after a meal.
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