Do I Have GERD Quiz
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What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which a person experiences chronic acid reflux.
Acid reflux occurs when the contents of your stomach move up into your esophagus, often causing a burning sensation. It’s normal to experience acid reflux on rare occasions, but if it happens often, you may be diagnosed with GERD.
Common Symptoms of GERD
The most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn and regurgitation.
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest (behind the breastbone or in the throat). Regurgitation occurs when stomach contents re-enter the esophagus and throat.
Other possible symptoms of GERD include:
- Nausea.
- Pain or difficulty swallowing.
- Chronic cough.
- Hoarseness in your voice.
- Sore throat.
- Food feeling stuck in the esophagus.
Some GERD symptoms are less common and may indicate serious complications. These include chest pain, appetite loss, and vomiting blood. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
Causes of GERD
GERD is often caused by weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is the muscle at the top of your stomach that helps keep your stomach contents from coming back up into the esophagus.
Normally, the LES relaxes after swallowing to let food enter the stomach. In people with GERD, the LES frequently relaxes when it shouldn’t, allowing stomach contents to re-enter the esophagus and cause symptoms.
Risk Factors for Developing GERD
There are several risk factors, including medical diagnoses and lifestyle habits, known for their ability to relax the lower esophageal sphincter and contribute to GERD.
You may experience an increased chance of developing GERD if you have the following medical risk factors:
- Hiatal hernia.
- Obesity.
- Pregnancy.
- Certain medications, including NSAIDs, beta-blockers, and some antidepressants.
Lifestyle habits may also contribute to acid reflux, and these include:
- Smoking.
- Alcohol use.
- Caffeine intake.
- Lying down right after eating.
Do I Have GERD? Questions Explained
Below is more information about some of the quiz questions with explanations of the top GERD symptoms.
If you’re unsure whether you have GERD, it's important to discuss your symptoms and concerns with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How often do you experience heartburn (a burning sensation in your chest)?
Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is a painful burning sensation in the middle of your chest. You may experience heartburn from time to time, such as when lying down after a large meal.
However, if you have symptoms of heartburn on a regular basis (more than twice per week), you may be diagnosed with GERD.
If you experience chest pain, seeking medical attention is essential, as this could indicate other medical concerns.
Do you often have a sour taste in your mouth or feel acid coming up into your throat?
Feeling or tasting stomach acid in your throat or mouth after eating is a sign of regurgitation, a common symptom of GERD where stomach contents come back up through the esophagus.
If left untreated, regurgitation can damage the esophagus and throat over time. For example, untreated GERD can sometimes lead to esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus lining), which may result in ulcers and bleeding.
How often do you experience regurgitation (food or liquid coming back up into your mouth)?
Many people with GERD experience the regurgitation of stomach contents, which can come back into the throat and mouth. In some cases, they may taste the food or beverage previously consumed.
Do you experience difficulty swallowing or feel like food is stuck in your throat?
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and odynophagia (painful swallowing) can occur in GERD but are less common than heartburn and regurgitation.
People with difficulty swallowing sometimes get the feeling of food being stuck in their throat after eating.
Chronic acid reflux can also cause scar tissue to form in the esophagus, making the esophagus more narrow and rigid. This can make it difficult for food to pass through the esophagus and often requires medical treatment.
How often do you have a chronic cough, especially at night?
A less common symptom of GERD is a chronic cough. The connection between GERD and coughing is still being studied. It’s possible that when stomach acid repeatedly comes up into the esophagus, it can irritate the vocal cords and contribute to coughing.
Chronic coughing associated with GERD tends to occur more frequently after mealtimes or at night.
Interpreting Your GERD Quiz Results
Continue reading for a summary of your quiz results. Remember, this quiz isn’t intended to diagnose GERD or replace medical care.
If you have concerns about GERD or acid reflux, it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider.
Option 1:
You don’t experience any of the top acid reflux symptoms, which means it's unlikely you have GERD. If you have concerns about other digestive symptoms, talk to your doctor for a proper diagnosis and consider a consultation with a registered dietitian to optimize your diet.
Option 2:
Your symptoms may indicate occasional acid reflux. It can be helpful to track your symptoms and work with a dietitian to understand the potential food and lifestyle triggers for your symptoms.
Option 3:
Though your symptoms are occasional, you have several indicators of GERD. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine if treatment is necessary. If you feel certain foods trigger your symptoms, consult a registered dietitian for more support.
Option 4:
You frequently experience the top symptoms of GERD. It’s recommended that you talk with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
How a Dietitian Can Help
Many people notice that certain diet and lifestyle habits cause symptoms of GERD. A registered dietitian can help you identify possible triggers and guide you in building healthy habits.
Depending on your symptoms, diet, and lifestyle, a dietitian may help you set goals including:
- Avoiding acidic foods, high-fat foods, chocolate, spicy foods, and mint.
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
- Avoid lying down within three hours of eating.
- Implementing a weight management plan if overweight.
Find a dietitian specializing in acid reflux to improve your symptoms and quality of life.
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