G.E.R.D.
GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) is a common condition affecting approximately 20 million Americans. It is caused by inappropriate relaxations of the muscle between the stomach and esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter), which allows stomach acid to come up into the esophagus. GERD may be either erosive (causing esophagitis or damage to the lining of the esophagus) or non-erosive. The major symptom of GERD is heartburn. Almost everyone may have occasional heartburn, but when it occurs more than twice a week, causes nocturnal awakening or is associated with difficulty swallowing or bleeding, medical attention is necessary. There are also so-called extra-esophageal symptoms of GERD including cough, hoarseness, sore throat, asthma or chest pain. All these symptoms may have other causes and proper diagnosis is important. The physicians of Affiliates in Gastroenterology are all skilled in the latest modalities in the diagnosis and treatment of GERD.
