What is GERD?
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a digestive disorder. Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, but can present as cough, chest pain, poor dentition or even difficulty swallowing.
People experience heartburn when gastric acid from their stomach flows back up into their food pipe, which is also known as the esophagus. Typical heartburn can best be described as a burning chest pain that starts behind the breastbone and moves up to the neck and throat. It can last from a few minutes to many hours.
The risk factors for GERD are many, and include pregnancy, obesity, smoking or having a hiatal hernia. Aspirin and over-the-counter pain and fever medicines such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs may also worsen GERD.
In addition to discomfort, even pain, heartburn can be a risk factor for more serious illness including Barrett’s esophagus, which can contribute to the development of esophageal cancer.
What can cause GERD?
- Being overweight
- Overeating
- Eating foods that contain citrus, chocolate, and are fatty or spicy
- Having caffeine
- Having alcohol
- Smoking
7 Things You Should Avoid Eating
Be careful what you eat and drink if you have heartburn. These food can worsen GERD symptoms:
- Fried and fatty foods
- Peppermint
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Citrus fruit and juices
- Tomato products
- Drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, soda, and energy drinks
Treating GERD
The new GI Motility and GERD Therapy Laboratory in the Division of Gastroenterology at Saint Peter’s University Hospital facilitates the diagnosing and testing for complex heartburn and swallowing disorders using state of the art technology. Evaluation of patients who have suspected disorders is important to diagnosing and prescribing individualized treatment, including minimally invasive procedures to treat conditions such as pre-cancerous Barret’s Esophagus.
Are you at risk for developing GERD? Find out by taking our Saint Peter’s Better Health Library quiz.
Second article in the series will be published Tuesday, December 19.
About Saint Peter’s Healthcare System
Saint Peter’s Healthcare System Inc., parent company of the Saint Peter’s healthcare delivery system, is comprised of Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a 478-bed acute-care teaching hospital and state-designated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center; Saint Peter’s Foundation, the fundraising arm of the hospital; Saint Peter’s Health and Management Services Corp., which oversees outpatient facilities, including the CARES Surgicenter and New Brunswick Cardiac Cath Lab; and Saint Peter’s Physician Associates, a network of primary and specialty care physician practices. Saint Peter’s Healthcare System is sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen and is a major clinical affiliate of Rutgers Biomedical Health and Sciences. For more information about Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, please visit www.saintpetershcs.com or call 732-745-8600.