| It is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal | | | | wearing tight clothing. Many foods can trigger GERD, |
| damage produced by the abnormal reflux of gastric | | | | including chocolate, coffee, carbonated drinks, citrus, |
| contents into the esophagus. GERD is caused by a | | | | tomatoes, onions, garlic, mustard, vinegar, spicy |
| failure of the Anti-reflux Barrier (ARB) and its primary | | | | foods, sugary foods and fatty foods. |
| component, the gastro-esophageal valve. | | | | Typical symptoms of GERD include cough, |
| Children sometimes outgrow GERD, but in adults it is | | | | hoarseness, and changes of the voice, chronic ear |
| often a lifelong condition. A baby who throws up is | | | | ache, acute sharp chest pains, nausea or sinusitis. |
| fussy after feeding be suffering from GERD. GERD is | | | | Diagnosis |
| usually painful because the backup (reflux) of acid | | | | A detailed history taking is vital to the diagnosis. |
| triggers nerves in the esophagus and causes | | | | Useful investigations may include barium swallow |
| heartburn, and the acid can damage the lining of the | | | | X-rays, esophageal pH monitoring (measure how |
| esophagus. | | | | often and for how long stomach acid enters the |
| Heartburn is not quite the same thing as GERD, but it | | | | esophagus) and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. |
| is a common symptom of this chronic disease. | | | | Complications |
| Sometimes people with this disease can think they | | | | Include stricture formation, Barret's esophagus, |
| are having a heart attack because of the pains in the | | | | esophageal ulcers and possibly even leading to |
| chest area. | | | | esophageal cancer, especially in adults over 60 years |
| Pregnancy can cause GERD in the expectant mother. | | | | old. |
| Drinking alcohol and smoking can trigger GERD, as can | | | | |