EA Stewart
GERD
What is GERD? Gastroesophageal reflux disease develops when the back-flow (reflux) of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications. Serious health problems can result if it is not treated properly. The most frequent symptoms of GERD are, heartburn and acid regurgitation. Self-diagnosis can lead to mistreatment. Consultation with a physician is essential to properly diagnose […]
IFFGD GERD Reporters Guide
Working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, IFFGD has sponsored several annual events on the U.S. National Health Observances Calendar. In 1998, we designated the week before Thanksgiving in November as GERD Awareness Week.
GERD is thought to affect an estimated 18 to 28% of Americans, making it the most prevalent gastrointestinal (GI) disorder in the country.
GERD is a condition where stomach contents flow back (reflux) into the esophagus causing troublesome symptoms and/or possible damage to the esophagus. Heartburn and/or regurgitation are common symptoms associated with GERD.
In this guide you will find:
Background information about GERD
Information about the diagnosis and treatment of GERD
Frequently asked questions
A glossary of medical terms
Suggested story angles and reasons for writing about GERD
517 – Unexplained Chest Pain: It May Be In the Esophagus
Unexplained chest pain (UCP) located in the mid-chest area behind the breastbone is a common problem. This fact sheet describes the condition and differentiates it from coronary pain.
562-Diet Changes for GERD
Treatment for GERD may include medications advised by your doctor and certain diet and lifestyle changes. Coming up with the appropriate diet and lifestyle changes involves discovering what works best for you. While no proven “GERD diet” exists, this article looks at foods to avoid and those that may help you ease or avoid symptoms.
7-Day Food and Symptom Diary for GERD
For reflux disease (GERD) or chronic heartburn, a one week daily diary may help you get the most out of your next doctor visit.
826- Infant Regurgitation
Regurgitation is when the stomach contents flow back up the esophagus and into the mouth. It is a type of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) – the other type being occult or silent reflux. Silent reflux is when the contents of the stomach only go part way up the esophagus. Infants tend to have more regurgitation episodes than silent episodes of GER as compared to adults.
845-Frequently asked questions about infant regurgitation
Regurgitation is a symptom that is common in infants. This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions about infant regurgitation, as well as addressing the differences between similar terms such as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and functional infant regurgitation.
510-Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders of the Esophagus and Stomach
This article reviews disorders caused by abnormal motility in the gastrointestinal tract (including GERD, dysphagia, functional chest pain, gastroparesis, and dyspepsia) and their characteristic symptoms, such as food sticking, pain, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.
Also available offline as a glossy color brochure (3.5″ x 8.5″). Contact IFFGD for details.
518 – Esophageal Motility Disorders
Difficulty swallowing liquids or solids, heartburn, regurgitation, and atypical (or non-cardiac) chest pain may be symptoms of an esophageal motility disorder. These disorders are characterized by specific criteria based upon the pressures generated within the esophagus when swallowing occurs.
520 – Antacids
Antacids seem to help many of those with bloating or nonulcer dyspepsia, as well as heartburn. A discussion of various antacids.
528 – H2 Blockers – Indications, Effectiveness, and Long-Term Use
The H2 blockers (also called H2 antagonists) were the first effective drugs for peptic ulcer. In the 1980s, they were the backbone of treatment for ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Now, antibiotics cure non-NSAID ulcers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are better for GERD. Therefore, H2 antagonists face an uncertain future as prescription drugs. Nonetheless, they are comparatively cheap, effective, and very safe for heartburn relief. Lower dose preparations are available over-the-counter. Reviewed and updated 2009.
