Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Chronic acid reflux causing heartburn, regurgitation and oesophageal injury. One of the most common chronic GI conditions — lifestyle and acid suppression are first-line treatment.
Published: Updated:
What it is
GERD is the disease state of repeated reflux of stomach contents into the oesophagus, causing troublesome symptoms or oesophageal damage. The lower oesophageal sphincter normally prevents this; when it relaxes inappropriately or the stomach is distended, acid rises. About 20% of adults in Western countries have GERD symptoms weekly. Untreated chronic GERD can lead to oesophagitis, oesophageal strictures, Barrett's oesophagus (a precancerous change in lining) and oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
Key lab markers
- Haemoglobin — chronic blood loss from oesophagitis can cause iron-deficiency anaemia.
- GERD diagnosis is primarily clinical, not lab-based. Empiric treatment with a proton-pump inhibitor for 4–8 weeks is often the diagnostic test.
- Upper endoscopy — for alarm symptoms (dysphagia, weight loss, GI bleeding, age >60 with new symptoms).
- Ambulatory pH monitoring — when diagnosis is unclear or symptoms persist on PPI.
Symptoms
- Heartburn (burning sensation behind the breastbone, worse after meals or lying down)
- Regurgitation (sour or bitter taste in mouth)
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic cough, sore throat or hoarseness
- Dental erosion
- Asthma-like symptoms
Related symptoms
Related lab panels
Related articles
Explore the full topic
When to discuss with a doctor
Heartburn more than 2 days per week warrants a primary-care discussion. Alarm symptoms — difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, blood in vomit or black stools, anaemia, or age over 60 with new symptoms — need prompt endoscopy. Lifestyle measures (weight loss, elevating the head of the bed, avoiding food within 3 hours of bedtime, identifying trigger foods) plus a proton-pump inhibitor is first-line therapy.