Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Everyone gets heartburn once in a while. But if you get heartburn two or more times a week, it could be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, stomach acid splashes up into the esophagus due to a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—a ring of muscle that normally contains stomach acid.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Journey

Chronic Heartburn? Don’t Just Ignore It

GERD is no joke. Chronic, prolonged acid reflux can damage the esophagus, causing a precancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus, or even esophageal cancer. However, you can get GERD under control with lifestyle changes, prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, and even surgery, if necessary.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease News

Chronic Heartburn May Raise Odds for Throat Cancer: Study
By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) — People who suffer from frequent heartburn may be at increased risk for cancers of the throat and vocal cords even if they don’t smoke or drink alcohol, a new study says. Interestingly, common over-the-counter antacids seemed to protect against these cancers while prescription medications such as Prilosec, [...]
Losing Weight May Ease Chronic Heartburn
By Kathleen DohenyHealthDay Reporter MONDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) — Obese and overweight men and women who suffer from heartburn often report relief when they lose weight, a new study shows. The researchers tracked the effects of weight loss over a year in patients who had a persistent form of heartburn known as gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD. “If [...]
Heartburn Meds May Often Be Taken for Too Long, at Too-High Doses
FRIDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) — U.S. veterans with chronic heartburn are often prescribed higher-than-recommended doses of medicines to control the condition and many are kept on the drugs far too long, according to a new study. Researchers looked at 1,600 veterans who were diagnosed with chronic heartburn — also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) [...]
Magnetic Implant May Ease Chronic Acid Reflux
By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20 (HealthDay News) — An implanted magnetic device could offer a new treatment option for people with chronic heartburn that is not controlled with medication, a small study suggests. The study, reported in the Feb. 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, tested a newer approach to taming stubborn [...]
New Guidelines Urge Limiting Endoscopy for GERD
By Carina StorrsHealthDay Reporter TUESDAY, Dec. 4 (HealthDay News) — Heartburn can usually be diagnosed and managed without the use of an invasive procedure called an upper endoscopy, according to new recommendations for doctors. Many physicians perform upper endoscopies to screen people who have had long-term heartburn for cancer of the esophagus because heartburn, also known as [...]