GERD
GERD occurs when stomach contents reflux into the esophagus; symptom frequency, mucosal damage and links with food, weight and medications matter.
GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when stomach contents regularly move into the esophagus and cause symptoms or mucosal damage. Occasional heartburn after overeating is not automatically GERD.
Risk is increased by abdominal obesity, large meals, late dinners, pregnancy, hiatal hernia, smoking, alcohol and some medications.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms are heartburn, sour regurgitation and burning or pain behind the breastbone, worse lying down or after meals. Chronic cough, hoarseness, throat irritation and lump sensation may occur.
Keto And Fat
Weight loss on low-carb eating may reduce reflux, but large fatty meals, coffee, chocolate, alcohol and late dinners worsen symptoms in some people. Portion size matters as much as food choice.
What Helps
Weight loss when needed, smaller dinners, time before lying down, head-of-bed elevation, avoiding personal triggers and prescribed treatment can help. Long-term acid suppression is best discussed with a clinician.
When It Is Urgent
Trouble swallowing, weight loss, vomiting blood, black stool, anemia, progressive pain or chest pain with shortness of breath require medical assessment.
How To Distinguish It From Heart Pain
Burning behind the breastbone after meals may resemble reflux, but chest pain with shortness of breath, cold sweat or radiation to the arm or jaw should not be blamed on the stomach. When unsure, a cardiac cause is excluded first.
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