GER is common in babies under 2 years old. Most babies spit up a few times a day during their first 3 months. GER does not cause any problems in babies. In most cases, babies outgrow this by the time they are 12 to 14 months old.
Anyone can develop GERD at any age but you are more likely to develop it as you get older. Pregnant women are especially prone to reflux.
GERD can occur in all age groups, but it's growing fastest in children and teens. Up to 25% of teenagers have GERD symptoms, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
People without a history of heartburn can suddenly develop heartburn as a result of eating certain foods, some eating patterns, drinking, and smoking. Stress, anxiety, certain medications, and some medical conditions can also cause it.
Stage 1: Mild
The majority of people who have GERD fall into stage 1, which is characterized by mild heartburn and/or regurgitation. This stage of GERD often leads to mild inflammation in the lower part of the esophagus.
“This can occur for multiple reasons that cause intra-abdominal pressure to be abnormally elevated, including being overweight or obese, frequent overeating, lying down too soon after eating, chronic straining or coughing, or chronic heavy lifting. These are typically the people who are more susceptible to GERD.”
Yes, GERD can be cured. The most common treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is medication, which can help to decrease the amount of acid in your stomach. If lifestyle changes don't help, your doctor may also recommend surgery.
GERD is a potentially serious condition, and it will not go away on its own. Untreated GERD can lead to inflammation of the esophagus and cause complications like ulcers, strictures and increased risk of Barrett's esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer.
Yes, it's possible. Emotional stress can increase acid production in the stomach, aggravating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In people with GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (which acts as a door between the stomach and the esophagus) doesn't work properly.
Some research suggests that inflammation in the esophagus (esophagitis) from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can take up to 8 weeks to heal with successful lifestyle changes and medications.
Risk factors
Obesity. Bulging of the top of the stomach up above the diaphragm (hiatal hernia) Pregnancy. Connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma.
In the vast majority of cases, the condition is temporary and mild, causing only short-term discomfort. If people develop persistent GERD with frequent relapses, and it remains untreated, serious complications may develop over time. Complications can include: Erosive esophagitis.
Left untreated, GERD can result in several serious complications, including esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus. Esophagitis can vary widely in severity with severe cases resulting in extensive erosions, ulcerations and narrowing of the esophagus. Esophagitis may also lead to gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy
A pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope. Doctors may order an upper GI endoscopy to check for complications of GERD or problems other than GERD that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor may order an upper GI endoscopy to help diagnose GERD.
Q:GERD is diagnosed by blood tests. True or False? A:False. While a completely accurate diagnostic test for GERD does not exist, GERD may be diagnosed or evaluated by a trial of treatment, endoscopy, biopsy, X-ray, 24 hour esophageal acid testing, and esophageal acid perfusion.
Avoiding dietary triggers, eating several small meals instead of fewer large ones, losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding lying down for a few hours after eating can all help reduce acid reflux. Elevating the head of your mattress six to eight inches when you sleep can help prevent night time heartburn.
For some folks, it can last just a few minutes. Sometimes it can last for several hours. Heartburn happens about once a week for up to 20% of Americans and is common in pregnant women.
The duration of GERD symptoms can vary from person to person. In some cases, symptoms may occasionally last a few hours. In other cases, symptoms may be more frequent and persist for several days or weeks.