What is
Gerd?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a disease caused by dysfunction of the valve between the esophagus and stomach.

If the valve does not function properly, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus and cause damage to the esophageal lining.

GERD is common, affecting 44% of U.S. adults every month and nearly 18% of U.S. adults every week.1 GERD is typically a very treatable disease, but many people do not know they have it because its symptoms are associated with numerous other conditions.

SYMPTOMS OF GERD2,3

  • Chronic heartburn
  • Regurgitation
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Chronic cough, sore throat and/or hoarseness
  • Sleeping disturbances and nighttime symptoms
  • Belching, gas and bloating
  • Nausea
  • Intolerance of certain foods

When diagnosis and treatment are delayed, chronic GERD can increase the risk for serious health complications, including Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.4 About 13% of Causcasian men over the age of 50 who have chronic reflux will develop Barrett’s esophagus.5

If you or a loved one experience worrisome symptoms, find a physician and schedule an appointment today.

PATIENT RESOURCES


References: 1. Shaheen N, Ransohoff DF. Gastroesophageal reflux, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. JAMA. 2002;287:1972-81.  2. GERD Symptoms: Typical and Atypical. http://www.gerdhelp.com/about-gerd/symptoms/. Accessed on January 4, 2017.  3. What are the symptoms of GER and GERD? https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/symptoms-causes. Accessed on January 4, 2017.  4. Dymedex Market Development Consulting, GERD Sizing and Segmentation for pH Testing. February 13, 2015.  5. Westhoff B, Brotze S, Weston A, McElhinney C, Cherian R, Mayo MS, et al. The frequency of Barrett’s esophagus in high-risk patients with chronic GERD. Gastrointestinal Endosc. 2005;61(2):226-31.

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