512 – Questions and Answers About PPI Medications and GERD
Answers to these questions: What are the differences between the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)? What are the common medications that may affect the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)? Revised and updated 2012.
523 – GERD, Hiatal Hernia, and Surgery
Answers to the questions: I have GERD and have been told that I may need surgery to repair a hiatal hernia. Can you please explain the surgery? Will my GERD be resolved? What are the potential risks related to the surgery? Reviewed 2009.
546-Laryngeal Pharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
Many patients with throat discomfort are surprised when they are told that they have laryngeal pharyngeal reflux (LPR). Gastric acid can cause significant inflammation when it falls on the vocal cords. If this happens repeatedly, a person can be left with a number of bothersome throat problems, such as hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, coughing, or the sensation that there is something stuck in their throat. Many patients with LPR do not have any of the typical GERD symptoms. This has lead to some controversies and misunderstandings about LPR.
554-Research Award Report: Sleep and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic disorder and the most common disease that affects the esophagus. Several studies have estimated that 1 in 5 (20%) of the U.S. adult population experience GERD-related symptoms at least once a week. Studies have also demonstrated that up to 4 in 5 (79%) of GERD patients experience nighttime symptoms.
516-Functional Heartburn
Functional heartburn is characterized by episodes of burning discomfort in the chest, behind the breastbone. There is no evidence of inflammation in the lining of the esophagus or other disease. The discomfort generally comes in waves, occurs after meals and can be accompanied by belching, regurgitation, or dyspeptic symptoms, such as upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, or early feeling of being full. Describes diagnostic prcedures, causes, and treatment.
525 – Holiday Heartburn or GERD?
It seems to happen every year – you eat just a bit too much of the turkey, enjoy that extra piece of pumpkin pie, or indulge in a second portion of yams. Hours later, the heartburn sets in. Is is simple heartburn, or a symptom of GERD?
532 – Unusual Symptoms and GERD
Answers to the questions: “Can GERD cause oral symptoms, specifically changes in saliva, or damage to the teeth, tonsils, or uvula (the fleshy structure hanging from the center of the soft palate at the back of the mouth)? My allergist believes GERD may even be contributing to my chronic sinusitis. I have looked on several web sites but have not found answers. Any information would be appreciated.” Reviewed 2009.
549 – Do I Need Another Endoscopy?
This Clinical Corner article explains the current guidelines for how often an endoscopy should be performed in patients with GERD or Barrett’s Esophagus.
535-Talking to Your Doctor About GERD
Tips on preparing for your doctor’s appointment and questions to ask.
501 – GERD Brochure
This publication provides an in-depth overview of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) including information about the nature of GERD, how to recognize the disease, and how to treat it. Written in collaboration by IFFGD and physicians noted for their knowledge about GERD. Newly revised and updated 2010.
Also available offline as a glossy color brochure (3.5″ x 8.5″). Contact IFFGD for details.
557-Common Questions About Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
This publication addresses commonly asked questions about GERD, a condition where stomach contents flow back (reflux) into the esophagus (food tube) causing troublesome symptoms and/or possible damage to the esophagus. GERD is a chronic disease for which long-term medical therapy is usually effective.
524 – Confusing or Ambiguous Upper Gut Symptoms
By choosing the appropriate test, a doctor can make a precise diagnosis of a structural upper gut disorder, such as esophagitis or peptic ulcer, by recognizing the diseased area through testing. The patient’s history provides the information that permits the doctor to choose the right test. In the case of the disorders of gastrointestinal function, such as dyspepsia or non-cardiac chest pain, there is no structural abnormality and no diagnostic test. Hence diagnosis of these disorders depends even more upon how the patient describes his or her symptoms. But many people use words to describe symptoms that are vague or misliading to a doctor. Examples are explained – such as indigestion, gas, nausea, chest pain, or vomiting.
