While most people have experienced the mild discomfort of indigestion or occasional heartburn, for more than 14 million Americans suffer from daily symptoms of serious heartburn. Acid reflux disease disrupts their lives and places them at risk for serious and potentially life-threatening complications.
For occasional heartburn, lifestyle change and over-the-counter indigestion remedies are usually all that is required to provide symptom relief. People suffering from more frequent heartburn may require prescription acid reflux medications to control the frequency and severity of their symptoms. Along with medications for heartburn, frequent sufferers must make significant changes to their eating and activity habits in an effort to eliminate triggers to their heartburn.
Frequent serious heartburn, more commonly called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a severe and potentially debilitating problem that requires accurate diagnosis and aggressive treatment to reduce painful episodes and prevent damage to the mouth, throat, esophagus, and even the lungs.
If you suffer from GERD, understanding the cause and what treatment options are available to you is the first step toward permanent relief.
Causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Learn more about what causes stomach acid to painfully reflux into your esophagus along with other facts about GERD, Causes of acid reflux disease ».
Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Besides the common discomfort of heartburn, what other symptoms may indicate that you are suffering from acid reflux disease? Symptoms of GERD»
Diagnosing Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Learn about the types of tests used to diagnose acid reflux disease and help determine the best treatment plan to relieve your symptoms or correct the underlying problem. Diagnosing GERD »
Treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Find out about options for relieving the symptoms of acid reflux disease and more advanced options for surgically correcting the structural problems that cause chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease. Treating GERD »