Gastroesophageal Reflux

As you see in the left, people of all ages can get GERD.In fact, millions of kids and adults have this problem. Many people, even newborn babies, can have this problem, so if you have this, do not feel ashamed, you are not alone.

GastroesophagealReflux

GERD

-Heartburn -This is the most common symptom. The burning feeling can travel from the person's chest up to the neck and throat.-Wheezing and coughing. This can happen when acid travels backward up into the throat and then spills over into the windpipe and down into the lungs. -Burping or belching. This sometimes helps people relieve the buildup of acid, or gas, in the stomach.

Gastroesophageal reflux is the backward flow of contents from the stomach into the esophagus.

Two examples of diagnosis are shown in the top left and bottom right pictures. The most common test is called a barium swallow or an upper gastrointestinal X-ray series. Another type of test is called an impedance-probe study. Lastly you can get checked by Upper endoscopy.

Signs & Symptoms

-Avoid foods that seem to cause problems for you. (spicy food, greasy, fried, and fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint, carbonated and caffeinated drinks, such as cola or coffee, ketchup and other tomato products, mustard and vinegar, citrus fruits and juices)-Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Don't eat right before you go to bed. -Don't wear tight clothing around your middle. -Follow your doctor's advice about your weight. In some cases, losing weight can help GERD. But never start a diet without consulting with your doctor.-Keep a diary of GERD symptoms. Record your symptoms and see if there's a pattern. Do the symptoms happen after eating certain foods or doing certain activities? If so, you'll know which foods or activities are OK and which ones to avoid.

Preventions

Diagnosis