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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, bile flows back (refluxes) into your food pipe (esophagus). The backwash of acid irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes GERD signs and symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of GERD include acid reflux and heartburn. Both are common digestive conditions that most people experience from time to time. When these signs and symptoms occur more than twice each week or interfere with your daily life, doctors term this GERD.
Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. But for people with GERD, these remedies may offer only temporary relief. People with GERD may need stronger medications, even surgery, to reduce symptoms.
- Heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd/index.htm. Accessed April 17, 2009.
- Kahrilas PJ, et al. American Gastroenterological Association Institute Technical Review on the Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Gastroenterology. 2008;135:1392.
- Heartburn. American Gastroenterological Society. http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=848. Accessed April 17, 2009.
- Richter JE. Gastroesophageal reflux disease and its complications. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/133141408-5/0/1389/0.html. Accessed April 17, 2009.
- Liu JJ, et al. Endoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. American College of Gastroenterology. http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/gihealth/grdtrtmnt.asp. Accessed April 17, 2009.
- Kahrilas PJ, et al. American Gastroenterological Association medical position statement on the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroenterology. 2008;135:1383.
- Kiefer D. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/133141408-4/0/1494/0.html. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Dickman R, et al. Clinical trial: Acupuncture vs. doubling the proton pump inhibitor in refractory heartburn. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2007;26:1333.
