Acid Reflux Vs. GERD

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition characterized by the regurgitation (reflux) of food and stomach acids into the esophagus. Acid reflux is a main component of GERD, and is also sometimes used as a synonym for the larger syndrome.

The facts

• GERD occurs when the muscular sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus does not close properly, allowing the backward flow of stomach contents.

Acid reflux

• According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, acid reflux is characterized by the rise of regurgitated food or fluids as high as the back of the mouth.

Additional GERD symptoms

• In addition to acid reflux, the classic symptom of GERD is painful heartburn in the chest or throat, which occurs when stomach acids touch the lining of the esophagus. Other symptoms include swallowing difficulties, sore throat, coughing, hiccups, hoarseness and nausea after eating.

GERD risk factors

• According to the U.S. Library of Medicine, risk factors for the development of GERD include smoking, obesity and use of medications such as beta blockers, sedatives and calcium channel blockers.

GERD treatments

• GERD symptoms may be diminished or prevented by avoiding common irritating substances such as chocolate, fatty and spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol. GERD medications include proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Nexium) and H2 antagonists (Zantac, Tagamet).