Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition in which stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach.
How do you know if your symptoms are acid reflux or GERD? Occasional symptoms are usually called acid reflux. When symptoms happen often or persist over time, it’s considered GERD.
To understand GERD, it helps to know how the digestive system works.
When you eat or drink, you take in food and liquids in your mouth. What you eat is mixed with saliva and travels through your esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine. As it goes through your body, your digestive system pulls nutrients from your food and gets rid of waste.
After you swallow, your food goes down your esophagus and into your stomach. There’s a muscle where your esophagus meets your stomach that’s shaped like a ring. This muscle is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
The LES works like a one-way valve and keeps stomach acid from flowing into the esophagus. If you have GERD, this valve may be weak or not working properly. As a result, stomach acid flows into the esophagus and irritates its lining, causing symptoms.
When stomach acid enters the esophagus, common GERD symptoms include heartburn and/or regurgitation, or the feeling of food coming back up into your mouth. You’re more likely to have GERD if you are overweight or have a hiatal hernia. Pregnant women are also at higher risk for GERD because of hormonal changes and their expanding uterus pressing on digestive organs.
Learn more about GERD symptoms and risk factors.
You can see your primary care provider or a gastroenterologist (digestive system doctor) to find out if GERD is causing your symptoms. They will ask about your symptoms and any digestive problems. If they suspect GERD, they may recommend diagnostic tests to confirm the condition.
Learn more about diagnosing GERD.
Even though GERD can be a long-lasting condition, treatment is important. Treatment can keep symptoms under control and prevent complications, like Barrett’s esophagus (which can increase your risk of esophageal cancer). Lifestyle changes, medications and, in some cases, surgery are effective GERD treatment options.
By working closely with your health care provider, you can create a GERD treatment plan that manages your symptoms and helps you return to daily activities without discomfort.
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