Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, also known as GERD, is a chronic condition characterized by heartburn, chest pain, nausea and sometimes swallowing problems, shortness of breath and coughing that occur due to stomach acids being washed back upward into the esophagus (acid reflux) after a meal. Being overweight, taking certain medications, smoking, breathing in second-hand smoke or having a hiatal hernia can all increase your chances of developing GERD. A serious, long-term complication of GERD is called Barrett’s esophagus, which is a pre-cancerous condition that requires medical treatment. Effective treatments for GERD may include lifestyle and dietary modifications, over the counter and prescription medications, Nissen fundoplication surgery, hiatal hernia repair, and minimally invasive and endoscopic treatments including the LINX and Barrx procedures.