Is a very common disorder that develops when reflux of the stomach causes adverse symptoms.

Is considered a benign disease in most individuals.

Most have symptoms more than once a week

Causes:

   -  H.pylori
   -  Hiatus Hernia
   -  Obesity
   -  Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
   -  Scleroderma
   -  others

Foods can worsen or be catagorized as a cause such as: 

   -  Cholocate
   -  Caffiene
   -  Alcohol
   -  Carbonated Drinks,
   -  Spicy foods
   -  Acidic foods
   -  Large meals
   -  Eating less then 2-3 hours prior to sleeping

Smoking should be avoided

Symptoms include:
   -  Heartburn
   -  Hoarseness
   -  Nausea
   -  Vomiting
   -  Cough
   -  Pain 
   -  Chronic Chest pain
   -  Dificulty breathing
   -  Asthma-like symptoms
   -  Regurgitation
   -  and others

Endoscopy or camera into esophagus is helpful in some cases.

Biopsys are typically done during Endoscopy

H. pylori has been closely associated

Treatment options

   -  Proton Pump inhibitors
           .  Nexium  (esomepraxole)
           .  Protonix  (pantoprazole)
           .  Prevacid  (lansoprazole)
           .  Prilosec  (omeprazole)
           .  Aciphex  (rabeprazole)

   -  Histamine (H2) Blockers
           .  Pepcid  (Famotidine)
           .  Tagamet  (Cimetidine)
           .  Zantac  (Ranitidine)

   -  Antacids over-the-counter

   -  Sucralfate (Carafate)

   -  Alginic acid (Gaviscon)

***GERD may lead to Barrett’s Esophagus
This is a precursor cell change that may become malignant
The risk is extremely small but is still present
For those with GERD, Endoscopy may be recommended by your physician every 5 years