In this Article

• What is GERD (acid reflux)?
• What causes GERD?
• What are the symptoms of uncomplicated GERD?
• What are the complications of GERD?
• How is GERD diagnosed and evaluated?
• How is GERD treated?
• What is a reasonable approach to the management of GERD?
• What are the unresolved issues in GERD?
• GERD At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: GERD - Proton Pump Inhibitors
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Glossary
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Index

GERD At A Glance

• GERD is a condition in which the acidified liquid contents of the stomach backs up into the esophagus.
  
  
• The causes of GERD include an abnormal lower esophageal sphincter, hiatal hernia, abnormal esophageal contractions, and slow emptying of the stomach.
  
  
• GERD may damage the lining of the esophagus, thereby causing inflammation (esophagitis), although usually it does not.
  
  
• The symptoms of uncomplicated GERD are heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea.
  
  
• Complications of GERD include ulcers and strictures of the esophagus, Barrett's esophagus, cough and asthma, throat and laryngeal inflammation, inflammation and infection of the lungs, and collection of fluid in the sinuses and middle ear.
  
  
• Barrett's esophagus is a pre-cancerous condition that requires periodic endoscopic surveillance for the development of cancer.
  
  
• GERD may be diagnosed or evaluated by a trial of treatment, endoscopy, biopsy, x-ray, examination of the throat and larynx, 24 hour esophageal acid testing, esophageal motility testing, emptying studies of the stomach, and esophageal acid perfusion.
  
  
• GERD is treated with life-style changes, antacids, histamine antagonists (H2 blockers), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), pro-motility drugs, foam barriers, surgery, and endoscopy.

GERD - Proton Pump Inhibitors

Dr. Marks Asks:

Heartburn symptoms caused by GERD are usually relieved by drugs called proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium, Zegerid); however, proton pump inhibitors sometimes do not work well. If your symptoms were not relieved by treatment with proton pump inhibitors, can you please describe your GERD symptoms that did not improve? If you have other treatments that have been effective, please comment on those.

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Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• pantoprazole, Protonix - Explains the medication pantoprazole (Protonix), a drug used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), like other PPI's it also is used for treating ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, and the Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
• Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, EGD) - Learn about the endoscopy procedure which examines the esophagus, stomach and duodenum to detect gastrointestinal and digestive disorders on MedicineNet.com
• Abdominal Pain - Learn about abdominal pain (pain in the stomach / abdomen) including causes, symptoms, how abdominal pain is diagnosed, and how abdominal pain is treated.

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