Updated December 29, 2014.

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) sponsors the annual GERD Awareness Week, with the first Avareness week in November 1999. The purpose of the GERD Awareness week is to raise awareness for GERD, and to encourages people woh are experiencing symptoms to talk to their doctor for diagnosis and treatment options.

With GERD Awareness Week in mind, the links below will take you to resources that will tell you what GERD is, the symptoms of GERD, treatment options, and ways to prevent some of the symptoms.

What You Need to Know About GERD
Whether you suspect you have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or you are newly diagnosed, you will want to know the symptoms, the causes, and the treatment of GERD.

GERD Fast Facts
Did you know that heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD? Did you kow that millions of Americans suffer from GERD? What can trigger GERD symptoms? Learn the facts about GERD.

Symptoms of GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents reflux back up into the esophagus. Knowing the symptoms can help you receive a diagnosis and treatment sooner.

Causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Most people will have mild and temporary heartburn if they eat too much acidic foods. But the persistent acid reflux that occurs with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is do to other factors. These factors are various conditions that include abnormal structural or biological factors.

Treating GERD - How Is GERD Treated?

Depending on how severe your GERD is, treatment may involve one or more of the following lifestyle changes and medications or surgery. Learn what these options are.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux disease, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus.

Nonerosive Reflux Disease - NERD
For some patients, GERD can cause erosive esophagitis, a condition that causes inflammation, swelling, or irritation of the esophagus. In recent studies, however, it has been found that less than half of GERD patient suffer from esophagitis. They have what is called nonerosive reflux disease, or NERD.

Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
The term refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (refractory GERD) describes those patients who continue to have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux despite standard treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Complications of Acid Reflux Disease
If gastroesophageal reflux disease goes untreated or is under-treated, the constant acid reflux can begin to irritate the lining of the esophagus. When this happens, complications can set in.

GERD in the Elderly
The percentage of elderly with GERD is higher than in younger age groups. Why does this happen? How can it be treated?

Tips for Seniors on the Safe Use of Acid Reflux Medications
If you are a senior citizen and on various medications, you no doubt know the importance of taking medication safely. These tips are designed to help you stay safe.

Upper Endoscopy
The upper endoscopy test allows a doctor to examine the inside of a patient's esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) with an instrument called an endoscope, a thin flexible lighted tube. What can you expect if your doctor orders this test for you?

PH Test
If your doctor suspects you have GERD, he or she may use a pH test. It can measure the amount of stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. What can you expect if your doctor orders this test for you?

Barium X-rays
Barium x-rays are diagnostic x-rays in which barium is used to diagnose abnormalities of the digestive tract. What can you expect if your doctor orders this test for you?

Are You Managing Your Heartburn on Your Own?
The good news is that with proper diagnosis and follow-up, most people can be successfully treated for heartburn. The first step is recognizing when it’s time to seek medical attention.

Bernstein test
The Bernstein test attempts to reproduce symptoms of heartburn. It is usually done along with other tests dealing with esophageal functions. This test is also called the acid perfusion test.

Talking to the Doctor About Infant Reflux
While some reflux in infants is normal, it is important to know when your baby's reflux isn't normal. Learn when you should talk to the doctor about your baby's reflux.

Talking to the Doctor About Your Child's Acid Reflux
Children, like adults, can suffer from heartburn (acid reflux). It is important to know when you should talk to the doctor about your child's acid reflux.

Preventing Infant Reflux
Many babies have spitting up problems that don't require treatment. Referred to as "happy spitters," their symptoms usually disappear after six to eight months. For some infants, however, their symptoms are a sign of something more serious than routine spitting up, and medical advice should be sought.

Symptoms of GERD in Teens
Because of the increasing consumption of fast food and ever-expanding waistlines among teens, GERD is an increasing problem in teenagers. If your teenager experiences any of the following symptoms, medical attention is needed.

Symptoms of Infant Reflux
Reflux occurs often in normal infants. More than half of all babies experience reflux in the first 3 months of life. Reflux can become a more serious concern in some infants, when medical attention is needed, and knowing the symptoms of chronic reflux is important.

Symptoms of GERD in Children
Children, and even infants, can suffer from heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease. What are the symptoms of gastro reflux in children?

Diagnosing Acid Reflux in Teens
Your child's doctor may base a diagnosis of acid reflux on your child's symptoms, a physical examination, and your child's response to medical treatment. For example, if your child's symptoms improve after treating proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), then it's probably GERD. If your child's symptoms do not improve, the doctor may order tests to determine if the acid reflux is caused by GERD or another disorder.

Diagnosing Acid Reflux in Infants
If your baby is healthy and growing well, the doctor may make a diagnosis of reflux on a parent's description of symptoms and feeding history, and a physical exam alone. Many, if not most, cases of reflux in infants are diagnosed without the need for any testing. However, your baby's doctor may order tests if he or she suspects a more serious condition, such as GERD.

Diagnosing Acid Reflux in Children
Your child's doctor may base a diagnosis of acid reflux on your child's symptoms and a physical examination. The doctor may also order tests to verify the diagnosis, or to determine if a more serious condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is the cause of the reflux.

Treating Children with GERD
The course of treatment the doctor prescribes for your child will depend on your child's age and symptoms. This treatment can include lifestyle modifications and medication.

Treating Teens with GERD
Because of the increasing consumption of fast food and ever-expanding waistlines among teens, GERD is becoming an increasing problem in teenagers. The severity of their GERD symptoms are will determine what their treatment should be.

Treating Infants with GERD
Treatment of infant reflux depends on the severity of the problem. Treatment can include lifestyle modifications or medications.