The Gastrointestinal System - GI Disorders and Treatments - Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease

Question 1

What is Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and what does it do?

Answer 1

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic but treatable disease that results from stomach acid backing up into the esophagus

Question 2

Common risk factors for GERD include:

Answer 2

pregnancy, obesity, smoking, and surgery

Question 3

Common symptoms of GERD are:

Answer 3

• Heartburn
• Coughing
• Chest pain
• Difficult breathing
• Regurgitation

Question 4

GERD can be prevented with such lifestyle modifications as:

Answer 4

• Weight loss
• Exercise
• Smoking cessation
• Consumption of smaller meals
• Staying upright for two to three hours after meals
• Avoiding chocolate, alcohol, and caffeine