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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to gastroesophageal reflux disease including topics such as gerd surgery, causes of gerd, and infant gerd. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

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Description of Articles in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

If you have heartburn two or more times a week, you may have GERD. This eMedTV article provides a detailed look at GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and explains its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

The specific causes of GERD are still being investigated. As this eMedTV article explains, however, several factors can put you at a higher risk of developing it. These risk factors include pregnancy, certain medications, and alcohol or tobacco use.

GERD symptoms can take many forms, but heartburn is the most common. This segment of the eMedTV archives discusses these and other symptoms (such as coughing and bad breath), and explains how seeking treatment can yield positive results.

Severe GERD symptoms can include shortness of breath, a hoarse voice, and bleeding in the esophagus. This eMedTV page describes how, when left untreated, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can lead to more serious symptoms.

As this eMedTV article explains, the process used to make a GERD diagnosis involves a physical exam, asking questions, and possibly performing tests, such as an upper GI or an upper endoscopy. However, a diagnosis can be made based on symptoms alone.

GERD treatment can involve diet and lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery. This eMedTV segment discusses these treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease and explains how most people can make simple changes to control their symptoms.

Patients with acid reflux disease are often advised to make dietary changes as part of their treatment. As this eMedTV article explains, the GERD diet encourages eating heart-healthy foods, avoiding certain foods, and eating smaller meals more often.

If your acid reflux symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe medication for GERD. This page of the eMedTV library discusses prescription and over-the-counter medications used in treating this condition and explains how they work.

GERD surgery usually involves strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter to improve acid reflux symptoms. This eMedTV article explains the different types of surgery in detail, such as Nissen fundoplication and the Bard EndoCinch system.

Even though they spit up and vomit, most babies with infant GERD are healthy and happy. This eMedTV segment examines gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants and also describes feeding and sleeping modifications that can help reduce symptoms.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common occurrence in children and infants, but may go overlooked. This eMedTV resource discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of GERD in children.

If you smoke, you have a higher risk of GERD. This page of the eMedTV archives explains how smoking can lead to GERD and make symptoms worse in people who already have it. This page also provides basic information about smoking and GERD.

Nighttime GERD occurs when symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease occur after going to bed. This eMedTV Web page offers suggestions on how find relief from these symptoms. For example, you should stop eating 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.