GERD: Key Q&A

Reviewed By:
David Friedel, M.D., AGA

Is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) the same thing as heartburn or gastric reflux?
Heartburn is a symptom of GERD. Sometimes people use gastric reflux (backup of stomach acid) as another term for GERD, but GERD is a chronic condition involving repeated episodes of reflux.

What other conditions may be confused with GERD?
These can include stomach ulcers, dyspepsia, esophageal spasms and esophagitis.

How common is GERD?
An estimated 5 to 7 percent of Americans have this chronic disease, that means up to 21 million people are dealing with GERD in this country.

What causes GERD?
Acid and other substances back up from the stomach into the esophagus because the valve between the esophagus and stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) doesn't close right.

What are the complications of GERD?
In a small number of patients, GERD causes ulcers in the esophagus, narrowing of the esophagus (stricture) or changes in the lining of the esophagus (Barrett's esophagus).

Who can get GERD?
Anyone, from infants to the elderly.

Who is most susceptible?
Overweight people and pregnant women are susceptible. It also occurs more frequently in people with asthma.

Is there a cure for GERD?
Sometimes GERD resolves, especially in children, but often it is considered a lifelong condition that is controlled rather than cured.

Is it true that certain foods can trigger GERD?
Yes. This varies widely among individuals, but foods that commonly cause flare-ups include chocolate, coffee, other caffeinated foods, carbonated drinks, citrus, tomato products, onions, garlic, mustard, vinegar, spicy foods, sugary foods and fatty foods.

Can lifestyle improvements treat GERD?
Yes. Typically the first steps in treating GERD include losing excess weight, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, changing diet, improving posture, avoiding tight clothes, elevating the head of the bed and exercising.

What medications can help?
A range of drugs may be tried. The best known of these are antacids. Others include coating agents, histamine-2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors..

Is surgery often needed?
No. Usually lifestyle changes and medications are enough. However, for hard-to-resolve cases there are several surgical options involving the stomach or esophagus.

Can GERD be prevented?
Yes. The same lifestyle improvements that help treat GERD, such as losing weight and quitting smoking, can help you avoid it.