*Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)* is a *chronic digestive disorder* where stomach acid or bile flows back into the esophagus, irritating its lining. --- *🔍 Causes:* - Weak or relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES) - Obesity - Pregnancy - Smoking - Certain foods (spicy, fatty, caffeine, chocolate) - Medications (NSAIDs, calcium channel blockers) --- *⚠️ Symptoms:* - Heartburn (burning sensation in the chest) - Acid regurgitation - Difficulty swallowing - Chronic cough or sore throat - Hoarseness - Chest pain (can mimic heart attack) --- *🧪 Diagnosis:* - History & symptoms - Endoscopy - pH monitoring - Barium swallow --- *💊 Management:* - Lifestyle changes: ▫️ Eat smaller meals ▫️ Avoid trigger foods ▫️ Don’t lie down after eating ▫️ Weight loss if overweight - Medications: ▫️ Antacids ▫️ H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine) ▫️ Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) — e.g., omeprazole ▫️ Prokinetics - Surgery (in severe cases): Fundoplication