Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid or bile flows back into the esophagus. Symptoms of GERD include heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. GERD can be difficult to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions such as asthma or a heart attack.
Common Conditions Mistaken for GERD
There are a number of conditions that can be mistaken for GERD. These include:
• Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD): PUD is a condition caused by an imbalance of stomach acid and is often mistaken for GERD. Symptoms of PUD include burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
• Gastritis: Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining and can be caused by bacterial infection, taking certain medications, or autoimmune disorders. Symptoms of gastritis are similar to those of GERD, including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Esophagitis: Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus and can be caused by GERD or other causes such as allergies, infection, or injury. Symptoms of esophagitis include heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
• Acid Reflux: Acid reflux is the regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus. Although acid reflux is often mistaken for GERD, the two conditions are not the same. Acid reflux is often triggered by eating certain foods or drinking certain beverages, and the symptoms are usually relieved by antacids.
Diagnosing GERD
If you have any of the symptoms of GERD, it is important to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor may recommend a number of tests to diagnose GERD, including an upper endoscopy, a pH monitoring test, and a biopsy. Treatment of GERD will depend on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Common treatments for GERD include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical procedures.