What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a chronic symptom of mucosa damage caused by stomach acid coming up from the stomach into the esophagus. The symptoms of GERD are:
- feeling that food is stuck behind the breastbone;
- nausea after eating;
- chronic heartburn;
- belching;
- difficulty or pain when swallowing;
- sensation of food sticking in the esophagus;
- chronic irritation in the throat;
- hoarseness in the morning;
- a sour taste;
- bad breath.
GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux — the backup of stomach acid or bile into the esophagus. Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux can be brought on or made worse by pregnancy and many different medications. Some other conditions that can increase the risk of GERD include: obesity, hiatal hernia, smoking, dry mouth, asthma, diabetes, or delayed stomach emptying.
Over time, chronic inflammation in your esophagus can lead to complications, such as: esophageal stricture, esophageal ulcer, or Barrett’s esophagus associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Lifestyle changes may help reduce the frequency of heartburn. Heartburn can be controlled using some antacid medication to neutralize or to reduce stomach acid production. You can also try herbal remedies, techniques to calm stress and anxiety and acupuncture.