In recent years, GERD has become a more common diagnosis. Because the symptoms of GERD include frequent heartburn or acid reflux many people worry that they might have GERD when experiencing these symptoms. As Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding points out, there is not always a direct connection between the two however it is important to be aware of the symptoms, their occurrence and severity.

Acid reflux is when you taste a sour liquid or regurgitated food, or experience heartburn — a burning in the chest. It happens when stomach acid flows backwards and up the esophagus, the tube that connects the to the stomach.

GERD, on the other hand, is a severe form of acid reflux. Acid reflux can develop into GERD after time and the most noted symptom is frequent heartburn. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding points out that other symptoms, which are agitated when lying down, include difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, coughing, wheezing and sometimes chest pain. A diagnosis of GERD usually includes experiencing symptoms at least twice a week or symptoms that interfere with daily life. A doctor seeing esophageal damage may also precipitate a diagnosis of GERD.

Patients experiencing these symptoms should not put off going to the doctor. As Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding points out GERD can be dangerous, not just uncomfortable. One problem is that GERD can lead to adenocarcinoma, a rare and dangerous cancer of the esophagus. In addition, 10-15% of GERD sufferers develop Barrett’s esophagus. This is a condition where the lining of the esophagus changes to be more like the lining of the intestines. Doctors believe that many cases of esophageal adenocarcinoma begin Barrett’s tissue in patients who developed GERD at a young age or have struggled with the condition for a long time.

Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding notes that a risk factor for GERD is obesity — obese people are three times more likely to have heartburn. Weight loss is proven to reduce these symptoms and bariatric surgery can help those who are morbidly and severely obese lose weight more easily. This is why Dr Christine Ren-Fielding recommends patients consider these surgeries. Gastric bypass surgery is found to reduce the symptoms of GERD. Consider attending an informational session about bariatric surgery, weight loss and the benefits to see if this is an option you should consider.