BACKGROUND: Gastroesphogeal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by abnormal reflux in the esophagus. GERD is the third most prevalent disease in the United States, affecting the lives of more than 19 million sufferers. It's caused by changes in the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus. Heartburn is the main symptom of acid reflux, which is most commonly described as burning discomfort behind the sternum. Other symptoms of acid reflux include cough, hoarseness, voice changes, chronic earache, chest pain, nausea and sinusitis. It's possible to experience heartburn without having acid reflux. However, if you experience heartburn more than once a week you could be at risk for developing acid reflux. Constant acid exposure over time can lead to a more serious disorder called Barrett's esophagus. This occurs when there is an abnormal change in the cells of the esophagus because of acid exposure. Barrett's esophagus is considered a premalignant condition and can lead to esophageal cancer. About 10 percent of patients who receive medical attention for heartburn symptoms are diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus.

TREATMENTS: There are several over-the-counter and prescription drug treatments for acid reflux. There are also a few non-drug treatments that have been proven effective. Weight loss, bed elevation and sleeping on your left side are a few of the more common non-drug treatments. Chronic heartburn can also be treated surgically -- in most cases using an endoscope. The newest of the FDA approved acid reflux surgical method is done using a device called the Esophy-X. This procedure is done with no incisions. The Esophy-X device is snaked down the patient's throat and gives the surgeon the ability to reconstruct the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus, eliminating the acid reflux. This surgery will not replace traditional acid reflux surgery, which involves wrapping part of the stomach around the barrier connecting it to the esophagus, but it will enable more patients who suffer from chronic acid reflux to get treatment.

PREVENTION: There are certain foods and lifestyle choices that are known to promote acid reflux. So if you'd rather stay away from surgery, try altering some of these things:

• Excessive coffee and/or alcohol intake, especially before bedtime

• Taking too much Vitamin C supplement. It promotes gastric acid secretion

• Eating high-fat foods and smoking. These things weaken the esophagus-stomach barrier

• Eating large meals, or eating too close to bedtime

• Eating chocolate and peppermint, or high-acid foods like citrus and tomatoes

• Drinking carbonated beverages, diet or regular

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: The Ohio State University Patient Information Line (800) 293-5123