GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Like others who have GERD, you probably wonder why symptoms such as heartburn, belching, or difficulty swallowing come and go or, at other times, never seem to go away. You may also feel worse at certain times of the day or after certain activities. You may also wonder if you did anything to cause your symptoms or if there is anything you can do to make them go away. GERD is treatable, and there are things you can do to feel better.

Learning more about your condition, how it can be treated, and what you can do to help yourself can help you overcome GERD. The questions listed here will help you understand the causes of GERD, its symptoms, and what you can expect at the doctor's office.

A Quick Overview
What is Happening to Me?
What Causes It?
What Are the Common Symptoms?
How Can I Be Sure I Have It?
How is GERD Treated?
How Much Will Treatment Help Me?
What Are My Treatment Options?
What Kind of Healthcare Professionals Do I Need?
What Do I Need to Know About Medications?
What Do I Need to Know About Surgery?
How Long Will I Need Treatment?
What Do I Need to Do?
What Can I Do to Prevent Symptoms?
Can Changes to My Lifestyle Help?
What Do I Need to Keep Track Of?
What If My Symptoms Aren't Getting Better?
How Can I Make It Easier to Stick With My Treatment?
How Do I Know if I'm Better?

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A Quick Overview

What is Happening to Me When I Have GERD?
Should I See a Doctor About GERD?
What Does GERD Feel Like?
How Common Is GERD?

What Causes GERD?
Am I At Risk for GERD?

What Are the Common Symptoms of GERD?
What Are the Levels of GERD Symptoms?
What If GERD Symptoms Aren't Treated?

How Can I Be Sure I Have GERD?
What Should I Tell My Doctor About My GERD Symptoms?
What Should I Tell My Doctor About GERD and My Medical History?
Could My Other Health Problems Cause GERD?
What Is My Doctor Looking For with a Physical Exam?
Upper GI Endoscopy
Barium Swallow
Bernstein, or Acid Perfusion, Test
24-hour pH, or Stomach Acid, Monitoring
Are There Any Other Steps to Diagnosing GERD?

How is GERD Treated?

How Much Will GERD Treatment Help Me?
How Will I Know If the GERD Treatment Is Working?

What Options Do I Have for GERD Treatment and How Do I Choose?
Are GERD Medications For Me?
Is GERD Surgery For Me?
Will Making Lifestyle Changes Help My GERD?

What Kind of Healthcare Professionals Do I Need to Treat My GERD?

What Do I Need to Know About GERD Medications?
How Do I Use GERD Medications Safely?
How Do GERD Medications Work?
What Side Effects Should I Watch For?
What Is the Specific Type of GERD Medication I'm Taking?
Antacids
Alginic Acid/Antacid Combinations
H2 Blockers
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Promotility Agents
Cytoprotective Barrier Agents

What Do I Need to Know About GERD Surgery?

How Long Will I Need GERD Treatment?
What Is the GERD Treatment Process?

What Do I Need to Do If I Have GERD?

What Can I Do to Prevent Symptoms of GERD?

Can Changes to My Lifestyle Help Control GERD?
Will Changing My Diet Affect GERD?
How Do Sleep and Rest Patterns Affect GERD?
How Does Smoking Affect GERD?
How Does Alcohol Affect GERD?
How Does Being Overweight Affect GERD?
Does the Way I Respond to Stress Have an Effect on My GERD?

What Do I Need to Keep Track of to Control GERD?

What If My GERD Symptoms Aren't Getting Better?
When Should I Call My Doctor About GERD?

How Can I Make It Easier to Stick With My GERD Treatment?
What Can I Do to Cope with Side Effects of GERD Medications?
How Can I Get the Support I Need to Control My GERD?

How Do I Know if My GERD Is Better?