If you have heartburn two or more times a week, you may have GERD. This eMedTV article provides a detailed look at 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.
There are many different GERD symptoms, but heartburn is the most common. This segment of the eMedTV archives discusses these and other signs and symptoms, such as coughing and bad breath, and explains how seeking treatment can yield positive results.
Shortness of breath, hoarse voice, and bleeding in the esophagus are examples of severe GERD symptoms. As this eMedTV page explains, untreated GERD can lead to more serious symptoms. This page gives an overview of signs and symptoms of severe GERD.
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.
People 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 GERD medication. This page of the eMedTV library discusses prescription and over-the-counter medications used in treating this condition and explains how they work.
As this part of the eMedTV site explains, surgery for GERD usually involves strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter to improve acid reflux symptoms. This article explains the different types of surgery in detail, such as Nissen fundoplication.
Even though they spit up and vomit, most babies with gastroesophageal reflux disease are healthy and happy. This eMedTV segment examines infant GERD in detail and 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, with links to specific information.
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.
