Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Heart burn or Acid Reflux affects millions of Americans. If severe, the person may go to the physician to obtain a prescription medication. Otherwise, over the counter drugs such as “pepsid’ are widely available.

For the most part, we ignore it. May even laugh about it when we burp, or others belch. This condition is not a laughing matter.

Pills alone may not be sufficient to stop the esophagus from being permanently damaged. The effect of acid reflux is similar to taking hydrochloric acid and pouring it on your hand. The question becomes “how do I know whether my esophagus is OK or not”. The only way of currently knowing is to have a small scope inserted down your throat to your stomach. If anything peculiar or abnormal is noted, a biopsy will be taken.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a common condition that often occurs without symptoms after meals. In some people, the reflux is related to a problem with the lower esophageal sphincter, a band of muscle fibers that usually closes off the esophagus from the stomach. If this sphincter doesn't close properly, food and liquid can move backward into the esophagus and may cause the symptoms.