The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) — Comprehensive Guide

A chronic disease in which gastric contents flow back into the esophagus, causing mucosal injury and symptoms.

Before your visit, please confirm that services related to this topic are available at our hospital via WhatsApp or by calling +90 850 321 50 00.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) — Comprehensive Guide?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which gastric contents flow back into the esophagus because of an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter. It affects roughly 20-25% of adults in Turkey and is a common reason for primary-care visits.

GERD has two main phenotypes: erosive reflux disease (mucosal injury on endoscopy) and non-erosive reflux disease (symptoms with normal endoscopy). Both forms have similar effects on quality of life. Complications include esophagitis, stricture, and Barrett esophagus.

Diagnosis is primarily clinical; in suspicious or complicated cases, endoscopy, 24-hour pH monitoring, or pH-impedance testing is performed. Long-term PPI therapy controls symptoms in most patients.

Symptoms

Retrosternal burning (heartburn), especially after meals and when lying down
Acid or bitter fluid rising into the mouth (regurgitation)
Difficulty or pain with swallowing
Chronic cough, wheezing, or hoarseness (atypical symptoms)
Globus sensation (foreign-body feeling in the throat)
Nighttime heartburn and cough that disrupt sleep
Dental enamel erosion (in chronic cases)

Risk Factors

Obesity and overweight (increased intra-abdominal pressure)
Hiatus hernia
Pregnancy
Smoking
Fatty and spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol
Lying down immediately after meals
Certain medications (calcium channel blockers, nitrates, anticholinergics)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Persistent heartburn and regurgitation more than twice weekly
  • Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of food getting stuck
  • Accompanying involuntary weight loss
  • Bloody or black stool
  • Symptoms uncontrolled despite medication
  • Barrett-esophagus risk or family history

Treatment Methods

01
Lifestyle changes: weight loss, avoiding meals within 3 hours of bedtime, head-of-bed elevation
02
Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, esomeprazole): 4-8-week course, long-term if needed
03
H2 receptor antagonists (famotidine): for mild-to-moderate cases or as PPI adjunct
04
Alginate-containing antacids: for immediate relief
05
Endoscopic treatments or laparoscopic fundoplication: in drug-refractory cases
06
Regular endoscopic surveillance protocol if Barrett esophagus is present

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.