GERD Explained

Everyone experiences heartburn now and then, but when the burning sensation becomes a regular occurrence, it could be GERD. Affecting a significant portion of the population, this chronic condition goes beyond occasional discomfort and can seriously affect your well-being. If you're experiencing persistent heartburn, understanding GERD and seeking medical advice is essential.

Ever wonder why that burn keeps coming back? It's not just a one-off after a spicy pizza. GERD is when your stomach acid plays a constant game of "up and down" with your esophagus, that tube connecting your mouth to your stomach.¹ Think of your esophagus as a food highway, and at the end, there's a gatekeeper: the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).¹ Normally, it's a one way street with a tight seal, letting food in and keeping acid where it belongs in the stomach.¹ But with GERD, that gatekeeper's on vacation, allowing the stomach acid to splash back up and irritate the lining of the esophagus. This isn't just a frequent annoyance; it's a persistent problem that, unlike occasional heartburn, can lead to serious trouble down the road if ignored.

Beyond the Burn

The most recognizable symptom of GERD is heartburn²—a burning sensation that typically begins behind the breastbone and may travel up toward the throat. For many people, heartburn occurs occasionally. However, when it happens two or more days a week, it's considered frequent heartburn and may indicate GERD. This frequent discomfort can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting sleep, eating habits, and even social activities.

Heartburn's the usual suspect, but did you know GERD can wear many disguises? Some of its symptoms might just surprise you.

Common symptoms include: ²

Less recognized signs of GERD

What makes GERD challenging to identify is how symptoms vary from person to person. It's important to seek medical attention if you experience:

Several factors increase the risk of GERD, including lifestyle choices like obesity and smoking, as well as medical conditions such as hiatal hernia. Additionally, certain foods, medications, and pregnancy can also contribute to the development of GERD.⁴

GERD risk factors

Common factors that contribute to GERD development:⁴

Managing GERD Effectively

Effective GERD management includes lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments and weight control, and medication. If symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications, a gastroenterologist can offer additional treatment options, including surgical interventions in severe cases.

While over-the-counter medications like Prilosec OTC do not treat GERD, Prilosec OTC provides powerful, 24-hour relief for frequent heartburn with just one pill a day. As the #1 gastroenterologist-recommended frequent heartburn medicine, Prilosec OTC works all day and night to block heartburn by preventing excess acid production at the source.

Understanding GERD is the first step toward managing this condition effectively. By recognizing symptoms, identifying triggers, and taking appropriate action, you can minimize the impact of GERD on your daily life.