How to tell if you have GERD? (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Gastrointestinal (GI) health is an important aspect of overall well-being, yet it's often overlooked until symptoms become hard to ignore. Among the common GI issues is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), conditions that affect many people at some point in their lives. Understanding the nuances between them, how they can be diagnosed, and identifying their causes is essential in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)? GERD is a chronic, more severe form of acid reflux. GERD is a condition that develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications. GERD can lead to more serious health issues, including esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and even esophageal cancer if left untreated. How can I tell apart Acid Reflux from GERD? It is common to mistake GERD for a case of acid reflux, which also affects many people. While the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD can overlap, the frequency and severity of these symptoms often help distinguish between the two conditions. For both conditions, you may experience heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest, usually after eating which may worsen at night), regurgitation (a sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your throat or mouth), difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, laryngitis and disrupted sleep. Symptoms of GERD are similar but occur more frequently and may also include worsening symptoms that affect your quality of life, such as severe chest pain, choking, or significant weight loss.
