Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is common problem for many people in the United States. GERD is also called acid reflux disease and is a severe form of heartburn experienced chronically by an estimated 60 million people each month.
Heartburn is little more than an inconvenience for the majority of people who suffer from it. Often triggered by smoking, unhealthy eating habits, alcohol, and even stress, over the counter medications and lifestyle modification usually provide relief for occasional heartburn. However, people suffering from GERD experience painful recurring symptoms that, left untreated, can lead to serious complications.
Because GERD affects the lives of so many people, there are many tools and treatments available. To begin with, understanding what causes acid reflux disease and differentiates it from heartburn helps sufferers work with their doctor to find a treatment option appropriate for their lifestyle.
Once this disease is diagnosed, people can manage GERD by changing behaviors that trigger or worsen reflux. In some cases, over-the-counter or prescription medications may be appropriate to control symptoms.
In severe cases or for patients who want an alternative to taking medications for the rest of their lives, surgical options are available that dramatically reduce or eliminate GERD symptoms. Surgeons use laparoscopic or transoral incisionless techniques to perform a procedure called a fundoplication.