Functional Gastroenterology | Digestive System | Evaluating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or Chronic Heartburn: An "Unchecked" Epidemic

GERD = Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or Chronic Heartburn

OVERVIEW

Occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) (muscle) malfunctions or does not close properly and stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat. 1, 2
Anyone experiencing heartburn twice a week or more may have GERD. 1
Years of exposure to stomach acids can trigger changes in the lining of the esophagus. 3, 5
GERD can lead to more serious health problems, like esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer. 5, 6
Patients who have GERD generally report decreased quality of life, reduced productivity, and decreased well-being. 7

PREVALENCE

An estimated 61 million Americans, or 44% of the US adult population, have heartburn at least once a month. 7
More than 19 million people suffer from GERD and experience symptoms of GERD at least twice a week. 8
GERD is the third most prevalent disease in the US with the highest annual direct costs ($9.3 billion/year). 9

GERD TREATMENT

60% of heartburn sufferers do not consult their family physician regarding the condition.10
Most effective treatment for GERD is proton pump inhibitors. 11
15% of patients self-treat symptoms with antacids on a weekly basis. 12
Americans spend more than $1 billion each year on antacids and acid suppressants.7

DIAGNOSIS/SCREENING

Most GERD sufferers are not screened for more serious disease. 7
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) recommends screening men over 50 every three years if they have a history of five years or more of chronic reflux and reflux symptoms at least two times a week.
Evaluating people with a history of GERD can help detect Barrett’s esophagus, a dangerous pre-cancerous condition; 700,000 are reported to have Barrett’s esophagus, which is twice as common in men. 3
Evaluation consists of endoscopy either with a long plastic tube that is advanced down the throat to the esophagus or capsule endoscopy with the PillCam™ ESO, a noninvasive alternative.

LONG-TERM COMPLICATIONS

GERD can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, which over time can lead to esophageal cancer, the fastest growing cancer in the US. 1, 13
Incidence of esophageal cancer has increased five-fold in the last 30 years.

REFERENCES

Download a Fact Sheet:
Evaluating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or Chronic Heartburn: An “Unchecked” Epidemic

Adult & Pediatric Gastroenterology Medical Center