GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease)

GERD is a common condition that is associated with heartburn. Acid and other irritating substances normally contained within the stomach often reflux back into the esophagus creating inflammation. This condition has many causes, but most commonly arises from dysfunction of the pressure zone between the esophagus and stomach.

Laxity, and changes in the normal anatomy often lead to this dysfunction. There are evaluations, such as endoscopy and various measurement studies that can confirm how severe GERD is, as well as determine what options are best for your treatment. Medical, endoscopic and surgical options exist for management of GERD.

Possible Increased Risk of Bone Fractures With Certain Antacid Drugs

There is possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist and spine if you take certain drugs for heartburn, acid reflux or ulcers, warns the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These drugs belong to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s), which work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. If you take Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid and other heartburn medications, you could have an increased risk.

Download the infosheet and our GERD/Heartburn Questionnaire to learn more.