Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that occurs when acidic stomach juices or food and fluids back up from the stomach into the esophagus. GERD affects people of all ages-from infants to older adults. People with pulmonary problems like Asthma and COPD are at higher risk of developing GERD. Asthma flare-ups can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach contents to flow back, or reflux, into the esophagus.
On the other hand, acid reflux can make asthma symptoms worse by irritating the airways and lungs. This, in turn, can lead to progressively more serious asthma. Also, this irritation can trigger allergic reactions and make the airways more sensitive to environmental conditions such as smoke or cold air.
SYMPTOMS
Everyone has experienced gastroesophageal reflux. It happens when you burp, have an acid taste in your mouth, or have heartburn. Other symptoms that occur less frequently but can indicate that you could have GERD are:
- Acid Regurgitation (Retesting Your Food After Eating)
- Difficulty or Pain When Swallowing
- Sudden Excess of Saliva
- Chronic Sore Throat
- Laryngitis or Hoarseness
- Inflammation of the Gums
- Cavities
- Bad Breath
- A Recurrent or Chronic Cough
- Chest Pain
DIAGNOSIS
- Upper Endoscopy
- pH testing (Bravo Probe)
- Esophageal Manometry
- Barium Swallow
TREATMENT
The treatment for GERD is initially nonsurgical. Lifestyle changes to treat GERD include:
- Elevate the Head of the Bed 6-8 Inches
- Lose Weight
- Stop Smoking
- Decrease Alcohol Intake
- Limit Meal Size and Avoid Heavy Evening Meals
- Do Not Lie Down Within Two to Three Hours of Eating
- Decrease Caffeine Intake
Acid suppression medications are indicated along with lifestyle changes.
Persistent reflux symptoms despite treatment warrant further evaluation; they do not automatically mean surgery is required. Testing and a review of your treatment help determine whether reflux is responsible and whether an operation is appropriate. Surgery is one option for selected patients with objective evidence of GERD, after discussing expected benefits and risks. [1][2]
Barrett’s esophagus and follow-up
Barrett’s is a change in the esophageal lining linked to increased adenocarcinoma risk; most affected people do not develop cancer. Reflux surgery is not a proven cancer-prevention treatment. Continue the Barrett’s surveillance your treating team recommends even when reflux symptoms improve. [3]
Learn more about Barrett’s esophagus and cancer risk.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Our practice evaluates persistent reflux, associated hiatal hernia, and selected complex recurrent problems after previous surgery. We review your symptoms, prior treatment, anatomy, and testing to discuss whether an operation is likely to help.
When surgery is appropriate, we offer minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic approaches for GERD and hiatal hernia. Some recurrent conditions require a more complex approach through the chest. The operation is tailored to the findings and your overall health. Read about benign esophageal surgery available locally in Southern New Hampshire.
Sources and further reading
Surgery and Barrett’s information updated September 20, 2026. This page provides general information; evaluation and treatment are individualized.