Digestive System

Here are some frequently asked questions related to heartburn and hiatal hernia (GERD). Q: The doctor thinks my acid indigestion actually is a different disease. She calls it GERD. Is this a new disease? A: GERD is just a fairly new term for diseases that once were called heartburn, acid indigestion, and hiatal hernia. It stands […]

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to heartburn and hiatal hernia (GERD). GERD means Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. It involves the “backward flow” of stomach contents into the esophagus. GERD is a relatively new term for heartburn, acid indigestion, and hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernia occurs when part of the upper stomach herniates, or bulges, into

Here are definitions of medical terms related to heartburn and hiatal hernia (GERD). Abdomen: The body cavity located just below the ribcage that contains the organs of digestion. Asthma: A condition in which the small airways in the lungs are inflamed and become narrow when the person is exposed to something to which he or she is

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on heartburn and hiatal hernia (GERD). National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse  www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/nddic.htm American Gastroenterological Association  Phone: 301-654-2055 www.gastro.org American College of Gastroenterology  Phone: 703-820-7400 www.acg.gi./org National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases Office of Communications and Public Liaison  www.niddk.nih.gov

Doctors can often diagnose GERD just on the basis of symptoms that individuals with the disease describe. Primary care doctors are very familiar with the symptoms of GERD and can diagnose and treat most cases. Some individuals, however, may require care from gastroenterologists, doctors who specialize in GERD and other diseases of the digestive system. If the symptoms

Treatment depends on the kind of hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia can be either para-esophageal or sliding. Sliding Hernias Sliding hiatal hernias are the most common. They occur when part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity when a person swallows food. The hernia actually slides back and forth between the abdominal

GERD can be treated with lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery. Many people with GERD improve a great deal by eliminating factors in their daily lives that contribute to reflux. Lifestyle changes often are used in combination with non-prescription or prescription drugs. In the rare cases, however, when those measures fail, surgery can provide relief. Lifestyle

In some cases, GERD may occur for a brief period of time and then disappear forever. Women, for instance, may experience GERD during pregnancy and never again. Obese people who permanently lose weight may be cured of GERD. Often, however, GERD is a chronic disease that does continue. Fortunately, most people have mild GERD that

People with complications of GERD may be treated with the same methods used to prevent reflux. Lifestyle changes, medication, or anti-reflux surgery can reduce reflux and additional damage to the esophagus. Further treatment, however, is usually needed if serious complications develop. Esophageal stricture and dysphagia Barrett esophagus and esophageal cancer Esophageal Stricture And Dysphagia Several

Scientists are trying to develop better drugs to treat GERD. These include medications that have more powerful effects on encouraging the lower esophageal sphincter to clamp shut and prevent acid reflux into the esophagus. In addition to being more effective, new drugs may be safer with fewer undesirable side effects. Future developments also include improved