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                    Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults
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                Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults
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                Your Digestive System & How it Works
                Zollinger-Ellison SyndromeAcid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults

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    Definition & Facts
    Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) happens when your stomach contents come back up into your esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more severe and long-lasting condition in which GER causes repeated symptoms or leads to complications over time.
Woman has acid reflux on a park bench.

    Symptoms & Causes
    Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) commonly cause symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. GERD may develop when your lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak or relaxes when it shouldn’t.


Diagnosis
    Your doctor diagnoses gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by reviewing your symptoms and medical history. If your symptoms don’t improve with lifestyle changes and medicines, you may need medical tests.

    Treatment
    You may be able to manage symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by making lifestyle changes or taking over-the-counter medicines. Doctors may recommend lifestyle changes, medicines, surgery, or a combination of these treatments.​


Eating, Diet, & Nutrition
    To reduce gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, your doctor may recommend weight loss if you are overweight or have obesity, eating meals 2 to 3 hours before you lie down, and avoiding foods and drinks that make your symptoms worse.​

    Clinical Trials
    The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducts and supports clinical trials in many diseases and conditions, including digestive diseases. The trials look to find new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease and improve quality of life.

    Related Conditions & Diseases
    Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Children
    Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Infants
    Barrett's Esophagus
    Understanding Adult Overweight & Obesity


Your Digestive System & How It Works
    The digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract*—*also called the digestive tract*—*and the liver, pancreas, and the gallbladder. The GI tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus.
        Last Reviewed July 2020

    

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                Definition & Facts

                This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
    The NIDDK would like to thank:
Nicholas J. Shaheen, M.D., M.P.H., University of North Carolina School of Medicine Contact Us
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