OVERVIEW

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a medical condition that happens when the contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.

Gastroesophageal reflux can cause heartburn, which is a burning feeling in your chest or throat. It can also cause other problems, such as coughing, trouble swallowing, and damage to your esophagus.

Gastroesophageal reflux is a common condition. It affects people of all ages, but it is more common in adults. You are more likely to have GERD if you are overweight, pregnant, or have a hiatal hernia. You are also more likely to have GERD if you smoke or drink alcohol.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux may include the following:

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation
• Dysphagia
• Chest pain
• Water brash
• Globus sensation
• Odynophagia
• Chronic cough
• Hoarseness
• Wheezing
• Nausea

CAUSES

GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux or reflux of nonacidic content from the stomach.

When you swallow, a circular band of muscle around the bottom of your esophagus relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into your stomach. Then the sphincter closes again.

If the sphincter does not relax as it should or it weakens, stomach acid can flow back into your esophagus. This constant backwash of acid irritates the lining of your esophagus, often causing it to become inflamed.

TREATMENT

Available treatments we offer:

• Esomeprazole (Nexium)
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
• Omeprazole (Prilosec)
• Pantoprazole (Protonix)
• Rabeprazole (Aciphex)
• Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)