Statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicate that about seven million people in the United States suffer from GERD. It afflicts people of every socioeconomic class, ethnic group and age. However, the incidence does increase quite dramatically in people over 40. More than 50 percent of those afflicted with GERD are between the ages of 45-64 (both male and female).
What is GERD?
At some time, almost everyone experiences a gastroesophageal reflux, or a backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube or esophagus. In some individuals, this reflux occurs so frequently or severely that it can impact the patient’s life and/or damage the esophagus. When the condition becomes this severe, it is called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Symptoms
The four major symptoms of GERD include:
- heartburn (uncomfortable, rising, burning sensation behind the breastbone)
- regurgitation of gastric acid or sour contents into the mouth
- difficult and/or painful swallowing
- chest pain.
There can also be more minor symptoms affecting the lungs, such as asthma, coughing, intermittent wheezing, or vocal cord inflammation with hoarseness.
Behavioral
Alcoholism
Alzheimer’s
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Drug Abuse
OCD
Panic Disorders
PTSD
Schizophrenia
Brain Tumors
Acoustic Neuroma
Glioblastoma
Meningioma
Pituitary Tumors
Cancer
Epilepsy
Generalized
Complex
Psychogenic
Heart
Aortic Aneurysms
Angina
Arrhythmias
Atherosclerosis
Cardiomyopathy
Cholesterol
Coronary Artery
Heart Attack
Heart Disease
Heart Failure
Heart Murmur
High Blood Pressure
Valvular Disease
Movement Disorders
Balance Disorders
Dystonia
Huntington’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease
Essential Tremors
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Multiple Sclerosis
Stroke
Aneurysms
Arteriovenous
Hypertensive
TIA
General Illnesses
Abdominal Pain
Allergies
Asthma
Bronchitis
Diabetes
Ear Infections
Gastro-Reflux
Headaches
Hypothyroidism
Insomnia
Lower Back Pain
Rash
Sinusitis
Upper Respiratory
Urinary Tract