About Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Many people suffer from the chronic condition gastro esophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. Those who suffer from the condition suffer for years with it. Serious health problems can result from the disease if it goes without being properly treated.

Gastro esophageal often starts out as a mild form of heartburn. The condition can affect both young children and adults. Most people can deal with infrequent episodes of heartburn but constant episodes can become unbearable. The condition can worsen and food in the stomach will usually begin to back flow. This can be very uncomfortable and dangerous for most individuals.

There are several different factors that can contribute to GERD. It is usually caused by slow emptying of the stomach, a hiatal hernia or lower esophageal sphincter. The most common symptoms of GERD is trouble swallowing, sore throat and hoarseness in the mornings. Individuals can also have gastro esophageal reflux disease without having any problems with heartburn.

GERD is a treatable condition. Some individuals are given medication that works well to treat the condition. Other individuals will have to have minor surgery to correct certain problems with the esophagus. One way to identify the severity of the condition is to perform an endoscopy. An endoscopy is one of the most common procedures done. A tube with a camera on the end is inserted down the patient’s throat through the esophagus to have a better look. Doctors can then determine the severity of the condition and decide on a course of treatment.