Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
- September 12, 2025
- City Hospital
Most of us have experienced heartburn after indulging in spicy food, but if that burning sensation becomes a frequent visitor, it might be a sign of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is a chronic digestive condition where stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, irritating its lining. Unlike occasional acid reflux, which happens once in a while, GERD is persistent and often interferes with daily life.
Today, GERD has become one of the most common digestive disorders worldwide, partly due to modern eating habits—think fast food, overeating, irregular meal times, and increased stress levels. The good part? GERD can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes, proper diagnosis, and timely treatment.
Understanding the Digestive System
To understand GERD, it’s important to first look at how your digestive system works. When you eat, food travels down the esophagus, a muscular tube connecting your throat to your stomach. At the junction sits the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—a circular muscle that acts like a one-way valve. Its job is simple: open to let food into the stomach, then close tightly to keep stomach acid from flowing back.
However, when the LES becomes weak or relaxes at the wrong time, stomach acid slips past it, creeping into the esophagus. Since the esophagus isn’t designed to handle acid, it gets irritated and inflamed, leading to the classic burning feeling of GERD. Think of it like a leaky faucet that doesn’t fully close—small drips (acid reflux) can eventually flood the sink (the esophagus) if not fixed.
Causes of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
GERD is not caused by a single factor but rather a mix of conditions, habits, and even physical changes in the body. Let’s break it down.
Weak LES Function
The most common trigger is a weakened LES. Instead of shutting properly, the muscle loosens too often, allowing acid to flow backward. This can be due to natural muscle weakness, age, or certain habits like smoking that reduce LES strength.
Obesity and Overweight Issues
Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, increases pressure on the stomach. Imagine squeezing a water bottle—if you press hard enough, liquid escapes from the top. Similarly, this pressure pushes acid upward into the esophagus, making GERD worse.
Hiatal Hernia
When part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity, it is known as a hiatal hernia. This structural problem weakens the LES and makes it easier for acid to escape.
Lifestyle Habits (Smoking, Alcohol, Diet)
Bad habits play a major role. Smoking relaxes the LES and reduces saliva production, which normally helps neutralize acid. Alcohol, fried foods, spicy meals, and chocolate all relax the LES or increase acid production, making reflux more likely.
Pregnancy and Hormonal Changes
During pregnancy, hormonal changes relax the LES, while the growing baby increases pressure on the stomach. That’s why heartburn is a common complaint among expecting mothers.
Common Symptoms of GERD ( Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease )
GERD symptoms vary, but they usually revolve around discomfort in the chest and throat.
Heartburn: The burning sensation in the chest after meals is the hallmark sign of GERD. It usually worsens when lying down or bending over.
Acid Regurgitation: A bitter or sour taste in the back of the throat occurs when stomach contents rise upward.
Chest Pain: Often mistaken for a heart attack, GERD-related chest pain is caused by acid irritation.
Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Over time, acid damage can make swallowing food painful or cause a sensation of “food sticking.”
Chronic Cough & Sore Throat: Acid irritates the throat, leading to coughing, hoarseness, or even asthma-like symptoms.
Nighttime Discomfort: Symptoms often worsen at night because lying flat makes it easier for acid to escape.
Silent GERD (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux)
Not all GERD sufferers feel heartburn. In Silent GERD, acid reaches the throat and voice box without causing the classic burn. Symptoms include constant throat clearing, hoarseness, a lump-in-throat sensation, or chronic cough. Because it doesn’t feel like “acid reflux,” many people don’t realize they have GERD until complications develop.
Treatment Options for GERD
Treatment often starts conservatively before moving to stronger methods.
Lifestyle & Dietary Changes
Doctors usually recommend avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and not lying down after eating. These small changes can significantly reduce reflux.
Medications
Antacids: Provide quick but short-term relief.
H2 Blockers & Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Reduce acid production, giving the esophagus time to heal.
Prokinetics: Help move food and acid out of the stomach faster.
Don’t Ignore Your Abdominal Pain – Get Expert Help Today!
Are you struggling with frequent heartburn, acid reflux, or discomfort after meals? Don’t ignore the signs of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)—early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications. At our Gastroenterologist in Gurdaspur, we specialize in providing advanced care for acid reflux and digestive disorders.
Our experienced GERD specialist doctors in Gurdaspur use the latest diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans to help you find lasting relief. Whether you need dietary guidance, medication management, or advanced GERD treatment options, we are here to support you every step of the way.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The eight most common symptoms of GERD include:
Frequent heartburn
Acid regurgitation (sour taste in mouth)
Chest pain or burning sensation
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Chronic cough
Hoarseness or sore throat
A lump-in-throat sensation
Nighttime reflux leading to disturbed sleep
The best treatment for GERD depends on the severity of your condition. For mild cases, lifestyle changes like avoiding trigger foods, losing weight, and elevating your head while sleeping can provide relief. For moderate to severe GERD, medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, or antacids are commonly prescribed to reduce acid production.
The main cause of GERD is a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a valve-like muscle that normally keeps stomach acid from rising into the esophagus. When the LES becomes weak or relaxes abnormally, acid flows upward, causing heartburn and other symptoms. Factors such as obesity, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, smoking, alcohol use, and certain medications can increase the likelihood of GERD.
Search Keywords