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National Alliance for Hispanic Health 1501 16 th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036-1401 http://www.hispanichealth.org Su Familia: The National Hispanic Family Health Helpline 1-866-SU-FAMILIA (1-866-783-2645) Acid Reflux Disease or GERD





Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly referred to as acid reflux disease, is a
chronic condition in which the acid of the stomach backs up into the esophagus (food tube)
causing persistent heartburn symptoms and/or potentially serious damage to the lining of the
esophagus.

Acid reflux disease is caused by the abnormal function of
the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a type of
valve located between the esophagus and the stomach that
contracts and closes off the passage of acid and stomach
contents back into the esophagus (see picture).

This abnormality can happen when the LES has a weak
contraction or when it has prolonged relaxations, which
allow the stomach acid to back up into the esophagus.

The most common symptoms of acid reflux disease include: Chronic, frequent, and persistent heartburn Persistent cough Sour or bitter taste in the mouth Hoarseness Regurgitation (food or fluid in the stomach coming up into the mouth) Central upper abdominal pain
Chest pain Difficulty swallowing
Important note: Report chest pain to your health care provider immediately so he or she can
determine whether your symptoms are associated with a stomach or a heart problem.


What is acid reflux disease or GERD? What causes acid reflux disease? What are the symptoms of acid reflux disease?
National Alliance for Hispanic Health 1501 16 th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036-1401 http://www.hispanichealth.org Su Familia: The National Hispanic Family Health Helpline 1-866-SU-FAMILIA (1-866-783-2645) Acid Reflux Disease or GERD







The symptoms usually get worse: After eating
When bending over
When lying down or during physical activity

Acid reflux disease is often mistaken for occasional heartburn because of its frequent and
persistent heartburn symptoms. Unlike occasional heartburn, persistent heartburn symptoms
that characterize the acid reflux disease occur on 2 or more days a week despite change of
diet and treating the symptoms.

Anyone can develop acid reflux disease. Obese people and pregnant women may also be at
higher risk of developing the symptoms of acid reflux due to the increase pressure in the
abdomen. The risk for developing acid reflux disease increases with age.


A health care provider that specializes in internal medicine, also known as internist, can
diagnose and treat this disease. However, if the symptoms persist even when receiving
treatment and changing the diet, you can visit a specialist that treats diseases of the digestive
system. This type of specialist is called a gastroenterologist.




When do the symptoms get worse? How are acid reflux disease and heartburn different? Who is at higher risk of developing acid reflux disease? Who can diagnose acid reflux disease?
National Alliance for Hispanic Health 1501 16 th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036-1401 http://www.hispanichealth.org Su Familia: The National Hispanic Family Health Helpline 1-866-SU-FAMILIA (1-866-783-2645) Acid Reflux Disease or GERD







Acid reflux disease is usually diagnosed based on the patients medical history and symptoms.
To confirm the diagnosis, physicians often treat patients with medications to decrease the
production of acid by the stomach (also known as empiric therapy). If the heartburn improves
or goes away, the diagnosis of acid reflux disease is usually confirmed. Another way to
confirm the diagnosis of acid reflux disease is through laboratory tests and other exams such
as: Upper Endoscopy
pH Monitoring Examination
Barium Swallow Radiography
Talk to your health care provider to find out if you need any exams and to determine which test
is the most appropriate for you.


No, there is no cure for acid reflux disease yet. However, there are various types of over-the-
counter and prescribed medications, as well as dietary and lifestyle changes that can help you
manage your symptoms.


The following list includes recommended lifestyle and dietary changes that can help you feel better: Eat small meals. Try to eat 4 to 5 small meals throughout the day to avoid filling your stomach. Avoid spicy and acidic foods and drinks. The following foods and beverages can worsen your symptoms: Coffee and tea Alcoholic beverages Carbonated drinks Condiments (pepper and garlic) Tomatoes, tomato juice or salsa Citrus fruits and juices (oranges) Fried or fatty foods Onions Chocolate Peppermint How is acid reflux disease diagnosed? Is there a cure for acid reflux disease? What dietary and life style changes can I do to manage my symptoms?
National Alliance for Hispanic Health 1501 16 th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036-1401 http://www.hispanichealth.org Su Familia: The National Hispanic Family Health Helpline 1-866-SU-FAMILIA (1-866-783-2645) Acid Reflux Disease or GERD




If you smoke, stop smoking. Cigarette smoke relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and allows the gastric acid to back up into the esophagus. Lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Being overweight puts additional pressure in the stomach, which can worsen the symptoms. Wear loose clothing around the abdominal area. Try to use clothes that are not too tight around the waist because they can put extra pressure on the stomach. Do not lie down after eating. Wait 3 hours after eating before ling down or bending over to help keep the stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus. Raise the head of your bed. This position helps keep the acid in the stomach and could lead to a better nights rest. Keep a record of your symptoms. Write down what causes your symptoms and what medicines you take to control them. This record will show you what foods and drinks to
avoid and what makes you feel better.



There are various types of over-the-counter and prescribed medications that your health care
provider can recommend to manage your symptoms. Some of these medications are: Antacids
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Histamine receptor antagonists (H2RAs)
Promotility drugs

If acid reflux disease is left untreated, the acid escaping back up from your stomach can over time
wear away or erode the inner lining of the esophagus causing erosive esophagitis. Erosive
esophagitis happens because the esophagus lacks the same protection the stomach has against
gastric acids. Only your health care provider can determine if you have erosive esophagitis.

Other complications of acid reflux disease include ulcers and strictures of the esophagus, cough
and asthma, throat and laryngeal inflammation, inflammation and infection of the lungs, and
collection of fluids in the sinuses and middle ear.

What happens if I do not seek treatment? What medicines are available to treat the symptoms of acid reflux?
National Alliance for Hispanic Health 1501 16 th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036-1401 http://www.hispanichealth.org Su Familia: The National Hispanic Family Health Helpline 1-866-SU-FAMILIA (1-866-783-2645) Acid Reflux Disease or GERD








Most patients with acid reflux disease effectively manage their condition with medication and
changes in their diet and life style. However, if none of this works, a gastroenterologist may
recommend a surgery to prevent the acid reflux from backing up into the esophagus. This
surgery is known as a Nissen Fundoplication.

The National Hispanic Su Familia Health Helpline
1 (866) SU-FAMILIA or 1 (866) 783-2645 http://www.hispanichealth.org
The American College of Gastroenterology http://www.acg.gi.org
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm
Pediatric/Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association Inc. (PAGER) http://www.reflux.org
The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hematology and Nutrition http://www.naspghan.org
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) http://www.gastro.org
AstraZeneca GERD Information Resource Center http://www.gerd.com
MedlinePlus-Trusted Health Information for You http://www.medlineplus.gov
September 2006 Sources Resources What happens if the treatment and changes in diet and life style do not
reduce my symptoms?

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