GERD
(Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
By Arthur Cantos, RN
CONSUMER HEALTH INTERACTIVE
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, describes the condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. About 19 million Americans have this chronic condition, often mistaking it for simple heartburn. If you are taking an over-the-counter antacid remedy for heartburn relief more than twice a week, you should consult your physician. Questions Patients Should Ask Their Doctors
• What is gastroesophageal reflux disease? |
| •What is a hiatus hernia and how does it relate to GERD? |
| •How did I get this condition? |
| •Is it hereditary? |
| •Could my lifestyle habits contribute to this problem? |
| •Do I need to take medication or can I just change my diet? |
| •Are there any foods or drinks I should limit or avoid completely? |
| •What other lifestyle changes can I make? |
| •If lifestyle changes don't work, what kind of medication will I need to take? |
| •Do these drugs have any side effects? What are they? |
•Should I be aware of any interactions with other prescription medicine?
(Bring along a list of medications you're taking.) |
| •What kinds of over-the-counter drugs should I avoid taking while on medication for GERD? |
| •What are the potential complications of GERD? |
| •What is Barrett esophagus and how does it relate to esophageal cancer? |
| •What is the role of surgery? |
| •Are there certain symptoms that should prompt me to call your office? |
| •At what point should I go to the emergency room or call 911? |
Questions Your Doctor May Ask You
In the past three months: | •Have you felt a burning sensation or burning pain in your throat? |
| •Has fluid or food come back up into your throat or mouth? |
| •Have you had an acidic, bitter, or sour taste in your mouth? |
| •Which of these symptoms has been bothering you the most? |
| •Have you woken up coughing or choking because of any of these symptoms? |
| •Have you frequently felt bloated? |
| •What foods, if any, cause heartburn? |
| •Do you smoke? |
| •Have you ever felt that food remained in your stomach too long, or felt full even several hours after a meal? |
| •Have you felt nauseous while eating or soon after finishing a meal? |
| •Have you ever vomited from the nausea? |
| •Have you ever felt pain in your chest, or had difficulty breathing when you experienced these symptoms? |
| •Do you have difficulty swallowing food? |
| •Have you been taking antacids or other over-the-counter medication for these symptoms? |
| •Have you taken any other prescription medication? Did they relieve your symptoms? |
| •Have you talked to a doctor about these symptoms? |
| •Has a doctor diagnosed your condition? |
| •Could you have become pregnant? |
-- Arthur Cantos, RN, is the clinical product manager for Consumer Health Interactive and former nurse manager of the cardiothoracic unit at UCSF Medical Center.
References
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Hiatal hernia and heartburn.)
Scott M and A Gelhot. Gastroesophageal reflux disease: diagnosis and management. American Family Physician. March 1, 1999. 59(5): 1161-1169.
Szarka LA et al. Diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. January 2001. 76: 97-101.
Gitnick, Gary MD with Cooksey, Karen, Freedom from Digestive Distress, Three Rivers Press, 2000.
Reviewed by Reviewed by George Meyer, MD, a staff gastroenterologist at Kaiser Permanente in Sacramento, Calif. and a reviewer for the American Gastroenterological Association.
Our reviewers are members of Consumer Health Interactive's medical advisory board.
To learn more about our writers and editors, click here.
First published March 28, 2002
Last updated November 28, 2007
Copyright © 2002 Consumer Health Interactive
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