What is GERD?

We hear a lot about acid reflux or GERD lately. The pharmaceutical companies have plastered our television viewing and magazine reading with articles full of the solution for this disease. What our Grandparents common called heartburn now has a whole new respect called GERD or Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease.

The cause of GERD is not known. There are contributing factors. They could be alcohol use, coffee, chocolate, spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus, being overweight, pregnancy and smoking. Certain substance can cause the sphincter to relax, and should be avoided. These would be peppermint and nicotine.

So what is GERD? GERD is when stomach acid comes up into the esophagus. When a hiatal hernia is present, it is easier for the acid to come up. In this way, a hiatal hernia can cause reflux. Any one can suffer from hiatal hernias but otherwise healthy people can suffer from this. GERD can have a variety of symptoms from heartburn, chest pains, hoarseness, a dry cough and bad breathe. Some people who have GERD suffer from no symptoms at all.

GERD can cause erosions in the esophagus as well as inflammation that can cause bleeding or ulcers. Scar tissue can form, this will make the passageway in the esophagus restricted and cause problems with swallowing. Studies have also shown that GERD may aggravate or even cause asthma, chronic cough, and pulmonary fibrosis.