Question

A 45-year-old woman experiences frequent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and sharp pains below her sternum. At night, she experiences gastric reflux, or a regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus, a condition that is extremely painful. What disease does she have?

Answer 1

She has Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Answer 2

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) produces these symptoms. History should reveal a pattern of pain that follows meals and occurs at night or when prone. A physical exam can rule out little, but endoscopy can reveal abnormalities at the junction of the stomach and esophagus, such as a hiatal hernia. Treatment involves behavior changes such as taking smaller meals and avoiding food an hour before sleeping. Serious cases require surgical repair of the hiatal hernia