Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) -

Commonly called heartburn or indigestion, GERD is a sense of burning and discomfort between the ribs just below the sternum (breastbone). Sometimes people with GERD experience a sour or bitter taste in the back of their mouth or throat

What causes it?

The esophagus is the passageway ("food pipe") that carries swallowed food to the stomach. GERD occurs when the muscular valve between the esophagus and the stomach does not function properly, causing acid to back up into the esophagus. The acid can then cause inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis). GERD can cause internal bleeding or esophageal ulcers.

Chronic GERD can result in:

• narrowing of the esophagus from chronic scarring, making it difficult to completely swallow
• a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, which is sometimes a precursor to esophageal cancer
• Mechanism of GERD

Who has it?
Heartburn, the primary symptom of GERD, affects about seven per cent each day. The prevalence increased in adults older than 40 years of age. In addition, up to 25 percent of pregnant women have heartburn on a daily basis because of increased pressure from the uterus pushing up on the stomach. Since other disorders can cause heartburn (e.g., peptic ulcer disease), less people are found to actually have GERD. It is estimated that approximately 10% of Americans suffer from heartburn daily and more than one-third have occasional symptoms.

Because most patients with GERD require chronic therapy, costs associated with diagnosis and treatment are estimated to be $9.3 billion.