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Heartburn Helpline:
GERD Awareness

 

Persistent heartburn is the most frequent—but not the only—symptom of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD. The disease may be present even without apparent symptoms. Heartburn and/or acid regurgitation experienced weekly has been found to occur in 19.8% of individuals. Heartburn is so common that it often is not associated with a serious disease, like GERD. All too often, GERD is either self-treated or mistreated.

Some Facts about GERD

GERD Costs America Nearly $2 Billion Each Week in Lost Productivity

Heartburn does not Have to Cause Heartache

Caution: Self-Treatment of Heartburn May Mask Chronic Symptoms of GERD

Does GERD Run in Families?

Is it More than Holiday Heartburn?

Heartburn or Heart Attack?

Talking to Your Doctor About GERD

GERD is a disease. It is not caused by lifestyle decisions. It is usually accompanied by obvious symptoms but may occur in the absence of obvious symptoms.

If you can answer "yes" to two or more of the following questions, you may have GERD.

1) Do you frequently have one or more of the following:

  • An uncomfortable feeling behind the breastbone that seems to be moving upward from the stomach?
  • A burning sensation in the back of yourthroat?
  • A bitter acid taste in your mouth?

2) Do you often experience these problems after meals?
3) Do you experience heartburn or acid indigestion two or more times per week?
4) Do you find that antacids only provide temporary relief from your symptoms?
5) Are you taking prescription medication to treat heartburn, but still having symptoms?

GERD in Children
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. During the first year "spitting up" is a normal phenomena in infants as their body develops. If reflux persists beyond the age of one, it can lead to a failure to gain weight adequately, irritation of the esophagus, respiratory difficulties, and other symptoms.

Gastroesophageal reflux Disease (GERD) refers to symptoms or tissue damage caused by gastroesophageal reflux. For more information on these disorders in kids, go to IFFGD's website at www.aboutkidsgi.org.

If you suspect you may have GERD, or that your child may be suffering from reflux, the first step is to consult a physician to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Recognize that GERD is generally a treatable disease. Then work in partnership with your physician to initiate the best available treatment plan for you.


Listen to this message about GERD from award-winning actress Doris Roberts.

You will need RealAudio software to listen to this message. Click Below (External Link) for Free Download of RealOne Player.

The 8th Annual GERD Awareness Week will be November 19-25, 2006. During that time (and at any time), we encourage people experiencing symptoms, which may be GERD-related, to call the IFFGD Heartburn Helpline at 1-888-964-2001 to receive information and support regarding GERD.

Every November, IFFGD efforts to support GERD Awareness Week include public service media outreach. In addition, people experiencing symptoms are encouraged to make use of the 7-day Diary. The diary, which is available from IFFGD, helps people keep track of specific food items and circumstances related to episodes of heartburn. This diary can serve as a vital tool when discussing symptoms with their physicians. [A printable version of the 7-day Diary is available here. Requires free Acrobat Reader to open.]

To learn more about GERD, contact IFFGD and ask about our GERD Brochure. This informative publication reviews symptoms, causes, potential complications, and what can be done to treat GERD. To receive a copy of the GERD Brochure, contact IFFGD toll free at 888-964-2001, or email your request along with your postal address to iffgd@iffgd.org. The GERD Brochure is free to members. The cost is $1 for nonmembers.

Heartburn or Heart Attack?
Preventing GERD Emergencies

More than five million people with chest pain are admitted to hospital emergency departments each year. It is estimated that over half of these patients suffer from what is known as noncardiac chest pain (NCCP). Up to 60 percent of patients with NCCP will be diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which affects more than 21 million Americans. (Chest pain or discomfort should prompt urgent medical evaluation. Possible heart conditions must always be excluded first.)

 

Learn more here about characteristics or symptoms of GERD
Learn more here about treatment of GERD
Learn more here about daily living with GERD
Learn more here about treatment of GERD in children
View IFFGD publications about GERD

An Invitation to Participate in Health Surveys
You can help make a difference

The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) periodically conducts surveys to help gain a better understanding of those who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders, such as GERD and others. The data gathered from these surveys has the potential to demonstrate the burden of illness associated with living with a gastrointestinal disorder and ultimately improve the quality of life of the millions of individuals affected by these disorders. Your identity will remain confidential. Your experience can help make a difference.

IFFGD first designated GERD Awareness Week in November 1999, and every subsequent year we work to focus attention on important health messages about GERD diagnosis and treatment. GERD Awareness Week is listed on the U.S. National Health Observances calendar.

The U.S. National Health Information Center (NHIC) Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion describes health observances as days, weeks, or months devoted to promoting particular health concerns. Health professionals, teachers, community groups, and others can use these special times to sponsor health promotion events and stimulate awareness of health issues.


Last updated August 25, 2006

© Copyright 2000-2006 International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Inc. (IFFGD). All Rights Reserved. The information on this site is provided for information purposes and is in no way intended to replace the knowledge or diagnosis of your doctor. Our intention is to focus on overall health issues or strategies. For specific guidance regarding personal health questions, we advise consultation with a qualified health care professional familiar with your particular circumstances. We advise seeing a physician whenever a health problem arises requiring an expert's care. Privacy and General Policies; Credit Card Security.