GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a medical condition that happens when bile or stomach acid refluxes or flows back into your esophagus. The acid backwash leads to esophagus irritation and produces the symptoms and signs of GERD. The symptoms of GERD include heartburn and acid reflux. Heartburn has been experienced by most people every now and then, but if it happens at least twice weekly and interferes with your daily function, it is reflux disease, not ordinary heartburn.

Symptoms

The most common symptom is a burning sensation in your chest that sometimes reaches your throat, and often leaves a sour taste. In addition, you may feel a sudden and sharp chest pain, which is why people sometimes mistake this for a heart attack. The chest pain may also be accompanied by persistent dry cough, sore throat and hoarseness. If the symptoms are severe, sour liquid or food will be regurgitated, and you might also feel a lump in your throat. This lump could be food or stomach acid refluxing.

Not all of these symptoms will manifest simultaneously, and most of the time the symptoms will probably just consist of heartburn and that sharp pain in the chest. Again, the pain is not due to a heart attack, but for some people the sensation is so intense they have to seek medication. If you experience the more severe symptoms then you need to see a doctor to get relief.

When to Seek Medical Help

You should see a doctor if the chest pain persists and if it is accompanied by difficulty breathing or you feel jaw or arm pain. This is very important, because chest discomfort accompanied by arm or jaw pain is one of the symptoms of a heart attack. If you experience this, you should consult your doctor. You should also seek medical help if your conditions persist or worsen.

Treatment

The majority of people can manage the occasional heartburn by simply changing their lifestyle or diet, but people with GERD need medication to relieve the pain. One such medication that your doctor may prescribe is Nexium (esomeprazole), a proton pump inhibitor that reduces the amount of acid that your stomach produces. This drug was formulated especially for treating and relieving GERD symptoms. Nexium, which is taken an hour before eating a meal, can also relieve symptoms of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, an extreme form of stomach acidity.

This drug may also be taken by people suffering from gastric ulcer or a similar condition. While this drug is effective, you should be careful about taking it, as this drug is not suitable for those who are allergic to esomeprazole and other kinds of benzimidazole medication like mebendazole and albendazole. Before you take the medication, tell your doctor if your magnesium blood level is low or you have some kind of liver disease. For the medication to be effective you must take it for the length of time that your doctor prescribed, and chances are you will be relieved of the symptoms before the treatment is over.