Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

What is it

More commonly known as GERD, it is a chronic digestive condition where stomach acid or contents repeatedly flow back up into the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth and stomach. White occasional acid reflux or heartburn is common, GERD is defined as experiencing such symptoms more than twice a week, often as a cause of esophageal inflammation. 

Severity/complications

• Esophagitis, an inflammation and irritation of the esophageal lining. 

• Strictures and narrowing of the esophagus due to scar tissue which might result in difficulty in swallowing

• Barrett’s Esophagus, a serious change to the lining of the esophagus which increase the risk of esophageal cancer 

Symptoms

• A burning sensation in the chest or throat, otherwise known as heartbrown

• Acid or undigested food backup ingot the mouth or regurgitations

• Chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or a feeling of a lump in a throate

• Chronic sore throat, hoarseness, or new/worsening asthma 

What causes it/ Risk factors

It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincters (LES), the musical valve that acts as a gate between your esophagus and stomach, becomes weak or relaxes at the wrong time. As a result, the stomach contents escape upwards. 

Risk factors include:

• Being overweight or obese

• Pregnancy

• Hiatal hernias (where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm)

• Smoking or frequent exposure to secondhand smoke

• Consuming trigger items like large meals, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate or fatty foods

Treatment:

• Medications

  • Over-the-counter antacids

  • H2 blockers

  • Precipitation Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acidity

• Dietary Adjustments

  • Avoid trigger foods by cutting fats, reducing spice, and limits carbonation

  • Swap large feast for frequent meals and chew thoroughly to aid digestion

  • Minimize lying down within 3 hours eating

  • While sleeping, elevate the head of your bead

• Lifestyle Changes

  • Minimally invasive surgeries (like a Nissen fundoplication) or endoscopic producers can be used to strengthen the esophageal value if medications are ineffective

  • Quit smoking and stop tobacco as nicotine relaxes the lower esophageal valve which results in more refluxes.

Citations:

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Definition & Facts for GER & GERD | NIDDK.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 8 July 2019, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/definition-facts.

2. Medline Plus. “GERD.” Medlineplus.gov, National Library of Medicine, 2019, medlineplus.gov/gerd.html.

3. ---. “Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) .” Mayo Clinic, 2025, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940.