GERD
GERD happens when stomach contents move back into the esophagus and cause symptoms. It is a common reason for chronic heartburn.
Symptoms
Symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, chest burning after meals, sour taste, chronic cough, or throat irritation.
Causes and risk
Risk rises with obesity, certain foods, late meals, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, and smoking.
How it is evaluated
We review symptom pattern, red flags, diet, medicines, and whether testing or referral is needed.
Treatment
Treatment may include weight loss, meal timing changes, trigger reduction, and acid-lowering medicine.