1. Heartburn: Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Slideshow Pictures
2. Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
3. Take the GERD Quiz

Pharmacy Author:

Annette (Gbemudu) Ogbru, PharmD, MBA

Annette (Gbemudu) Ogbru, PharmD, MBA

View Full Profile

Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

View Full Profile

Heartburn is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Voice changes may occur, particularly upon wakening. Hoarseness is typical and results from stomach acid refluxing all the way up in the esophagus to the throat where it irritates the vocal cords.

The following GERD-associated complications are serious and require immediate medical attention:

• Esophageal stricture: This is a narrowing of the esophagus that makes it hard to swallow foods or liquids.
• Erosive esophagitis: This results in ulcer formation in your esophagus.
• Vomiting blood or blood in the stools: When there is blood in the stools, the stool may look dark or tarry.
• Barrett's esophagus and ulcers: These are caused by prolonged exposure of the esophagus to stomach acid. Barrett's esophagus sometimes precedes cancer of the esophagus, so the doctor will want to assess the state of the patietn's Barrett's esophagus from time to time.
• Esophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma): This has become more common in the past 20 years and is linked with GERD and Barrett's esophagus.

Must Read Articles Related to Understanding Heartburn/GERD Medications

Acid Reflux Disease (GERD) Acid reflux (GERD) is caused by acid backing up from the stomach. Causes of acid reflux include smoking, obesity, alcohol, medications, diet, and other medical ...learn more >>

Heartburn Heartburn is a symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn symptoms include a burning feeling in the chest, hoarseness, chronic cough, sore th...learn more >>

Laryngitis Laryngitis means inflammation or swelling of the voice box (larynx). Laryngitis can be caused by overusing the voice, bacterial or fungal, infections, or infect...learn more >>

See the Entire Understanding Heartburn/GERD Medications Topic Guide »