Do I Have GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)?

Do you have an uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest, which can radiate up toward your neck (heartburn), usually after eating or lying down?

Does the burning sensation in your chest get worse at night, wake you up or make you cough?

Do you regurgitate food or sour liquid from your stomach into your mouth?

Do you have a sour or bitter taste at the back of your mouth or the sensation of food caught in your throat?

Do you have chest pain?

Do you have difficulty swallowing food or you had to change your diet to get rid of swallowing problems?

Do you feel nauseous or are you often vomiting?

Have you noticed or someone told you that you have bad breath?

Do you have sore throat and hoarseness?

Have you lost weight?

Do you usually eat large meals, deep fried or spicy food, go to sleep shortly after eating, drink beverages, such as soda, coffee or alcohol or take certain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen?

Are you a smoker, overweight, pregnant or diagnosed with hiatal hernia?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). You may have heartburn which is a common symptom of acid reflux and it is not unusual to experience it from time to time. Heartburn is usually associated with eating large meals, deep fried or spicy food and drinking soda, coffee or alcohol. Occasional heartburn is not something to worry about. If your symptoms trouble you or you have any concerns make an appointment with your GP or your gastroenterologist for further analysis.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when contents from your stomach move up into your esophagus. Repeated backwash of acid can irritate the esophageal mucosa causing inflammation of the esophagus. GERD is a chronic type of acid reflux and it can be mild or moderate to severe depending on its frequency. If left untreated GERD can cause complications. Most people manage GERD symptoms with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, but in some cases, the doctor will recommend prescription drugs or surgery.