If your persistent heartburn is unresponsive to prescription and over-the-counter medications, you may be suffering from a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.

GERD is a chronic condition characterized by irritation or inflammation of the esophagus. It is caused by the reflux, or backflow, of stomach acids into the esophagus.

Symptoms of GERD

Chronic, persistent heartburn is the most common GERD symptom. Other symptoms include:

• Regurgitation
• Drastic weight loss
• Pain and difficulty swallowing, especially with solid foods or pills
• Coughing
• Severe hoarseness or wheezing
• A feeling of a lump in the throat
• Interference with lifestyle or daily activities
• Worsening of these symptoms over time

If you think you may have this disease, speak with your health-care professional about having a diagnostic screening test. If left untreated, GERD can cause or contribute to a wide range of more serious health issues, such as ulcers of the esophagus; asthma; chronic coughing; and, in rare cases, cancer of the esophagus. The good news: These complications can usually be avoided with proper monitoring from a physician.

The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis or recommended treatments. OTC PPIs are only indicated for treatment of frequent heartburn. For severe heartburn or heartburn that persists after trying over-the-counter treatment or lifestyle modifications, visit your doctor to determine the right treatment for you. See the Terms and Conditions for more information.