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GERD related information | GERD SYMPTOMS: Learn about the symptoms of acid reflux disease DRUGS: Common medications used to treat heartburn TREATMENT: Lifestyle changes, medication, and surgeryoptions Last Updated: 11/2/2004 Related Encyclopedia • Abdominoplasty • Acidophilus • Adhesions • Amebiasis More... Related Healthscout Videos Nutrition and Cancer Nutrition and Osteoporosis Importance of Good Nutrition Critical Nutrition More... Related Animations • PPI Therapy More... Related Drug Information • Aciphex • Nexium • Prevacid • Prilosec More... Related News Articles • New Findings about Drug-Covered Stents • Autoimmunity Cells Found in Healthy Adults • Dangerous Prenatal Condition Linked to Exercise • New Insight into How Cells Get Nutrients More... GERD Almost 30 to 40% of the population experiences occasional heartburn. Many believe that these are just bothersome symptoms. But frequent heartburn may indicate a disease called GERD, Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. The gastro intestinal system includes: esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter, stomach containing gastric juice, pyloric sphincter, and duodenum. The food swallowed enters through the esophagus into the stomach where it is digested by acid secretions present in the gastric juices. The lower esophageal sphincter prevents the return of the gastric juice back to the esophagus. Abnormal functioning of lower esophageal sphincter causes GERD. This results in backflow of the gastric contents to the esophagus and damages it. Symptoms of GERD are Heartburn Regurgitation Feeling of lump in throat.