GERD
Medical abbreviation · Gastroenterology
| Stands for | Gastroesophageal reflux disease |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
GERD stands for Gastroesophageal reflux disease, a gastroenterology abbreviation.
Chronic condition in which stomach acid and contents flow back into the esophagus often enough to cause troublesome symptoms or damage, classically heartburn and regurgitation at least twice a week. Complications include erosive esophagitis, strictures and Barrett's esophagus; treatment ranges from weight loss and meal timing to proton pump inhibitors and anti-reflux surgery such as fundoplication.
Example: Long-standing GERD with nightly heartburn despite twice-daily omeprazole; refer for EGD to rule out Barrett's esophagus.
Usage notes
Pronounced "gurd" as a word. British and Commonwealth sources spell oesophagus with an "o", giving GORD. GERD differs from GER (gastroesophageal reflux), the harmless physiologic reflux most infants have; reflux becomes a disease only when it causes symptoms or complications. The 2006 Montreal definition and the 2022 American College of Gastroenterology guideline are the main references. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a related form that mainly affects the throat and voice.
Related abbreviations
More gastroenterology abbreviations
- FD – Functional dyspepsia
- FIT – Fecal immunochemical test
- FMT – Fecal microbiota transplantation
- FOBT – Fecal occult blood test
- GAVE – Gastric antral vascular ectasia
- GEJ – Gastroesophageal junction
- GES – Gastric emptying study
- GI – Gastrointestinal
- GIB – Gastrointestinal bleeding
- GIST – Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
- GORD – Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
- GU – Gastric ulcer
See all 85 gastroenterology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.