Heartburn / GERD - By Category
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents reflux back up into the esophagus. The links are to resources on GERD in infants, GERD in children and adolescents, GERD diets infomation, GERD recipes, meds and other remedies for treating GERD, complications of GERD, and surgical procedures for treating GERD.
Heartburn - Understanding Heartburn / Acid Reflux
Despite the name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. Heartburn is a digestive problem that occurs when stomach acid comes into contact with the lining of the esophagus, causing irritation. Most people suffer from heartburn occasionally, usually after a meal. How do you know when your heartburn is considered chronic? When should you be concerned about the heartburn? When should you see the doctor about your heartburn?
Hiatal Hernia
Some people suffer from Gastroesophageal reflux disease because they have a hiatal hernia. Learn what a hiatal hernia is, and how to live with it.
Ulcers
An ulcer is an area of the stomach or duodenal (the first part of the small intestine) lining that becomes eroded by the stomach acid. Known individually as stomach and duodenal ulcers, collectively they are known as peptic ulcers. Learn about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and complications involved with peptic ulcers.
Complications of Chronic Heartburn
If chronic heartburn (or GERD) is untreated, it can be harmful; the constant acid reflux can irritate the lining of the esophagus, and complications can occur.
Other Digestive Disorders
There are many disorders and diseases of the digestive system. Some, like gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcers, and hiatal hernias can cause heartburn. Others may not heartburn as a symptoms, but because some people who have one of the above mentioned conditions also have other disorders of the digestive system, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), information is provided for these also.
Good Foods / Bad Foods For Heartburn Sufferers -- Acid Reflux Diet
Do you suffer from heartburn? Does it seem like no matter what you eat, heartburn keeps occurring? Anyone suffering from heartburn needs have a special acid reflux diet. Find resources on creating your acid reflux diet, foods that are safe or those that should be avoided in an acid reflux diet, and recipes that are heartburn-free and ideal for the acid reflux diet.
Symptoms and Causes of Chronic Heartburn
Knowing the symptoms of following digestive disorders can help you get diagnosis and treatment sooner. Also, knowing what can cause heartburn / acid reflux can help you with preventing it.
Prevention and Treatment
Find tips and self-help suggestions for preventing heartburn / acid reflux. Also, learn what type of treatments are available to treat heartburn.
Medications and Remedies
Remedies used in the treatment of heartburn / acid reflux. These include prescription medications, over-the-counter remedies, and alternative home / herbal remedies.
Daily Life
Tips and stategies for living with digestive disorders such as GERD, hiatal hernias, and peptic ulcers.
Cancer - Digestive System
Cancer can occur in various areas of the digestive system. Learn the signs and symptoms, how the are diagnosed, and what treatment is available.
Screening Quizzes - Test Your Knowledge - FAQs
Do you think you are suffering from GERD, a hiatal hernia or an ulcer? Take one of the quizzes below and then talk to your doctor. What do you know about heartburn and hiatal hernias? Test your knowledge. Find answers to common questions about GERD, hiatal hernias, ulcers, and other digestive disorders.
Glossary of Heartburn-Related Terms
Definitions of most often used heartburn-related terms. Some words may have more than one meaning. However, only those meanings related to heartburn are included.
Personal Stories
Do you have a story to tell about living with chronic heartburn / acid reflux? Have you been diagnosed with GERD, a hiatal hernia, a peptic ulcer, or another disorder that causes heartburn? Would you like to share your trials and tips with other readers? Submit your story below, and it may be posted on the Heartburn / Acid Reflux site.