Older Adults

Are You at Risk for GERD?

If you feel a painful, burning sensation in your chest 30 minutes to 2 hours after you eat, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Most people get this burning feeling - called heartburn - every now and then. But when you get heartburn often or regularly, you may have GERD.

GERD is also called acid reflux disease. The pain may start in your stomach and move up to the middle of your chest. You may even feel pain in your throat. You may also have regurgitation. This means the contents of your stomach (liquid or food) moves up into the esophagus. GERD symptoms can happen any time. They are common after meals.

GERD is caused when a one-way valve in your food tube (esophagus) doesn't work as it should. Normally, the valve opens when you swallow food or drink. The valve allows food to enter your stomach, then closes quickly. With GERD, the valve allows food and stomach acid to travel back (reflux) into your esophagus.

About 1 or 2 out of 10 adults in the U.S. have GERD. Learn about the risks you may have for this condition by taking this assessment.

Note: A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease. Having a risk factor, or even several risk factors, does not mean you will get the disease. And some people who get GERD may not have had any known risk factors.

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Online Medical Reviewer: Lehrer, Jenifer, MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Turley, Raymond Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer: Watson, L Renee RN, BSN
Date Last Reviewed: 3/1/2023
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