Reflux disease

Discover the relationship between dysphagia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and how GERD may progress to Barrett’s esophagus.

What is dysphagia?

Dysphagia is a subjective sensation of difficulty swallowing. It is estimated to affect as many as 15 million Americans.1

Learn about dysphagia

What is GERD?

GERD is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid repeatedly backs up into the esophagus.

Learn about GERD

What is Barrett’s esophagus?

Barrett's esophagus is a serious complication of GERD. People with Barrett's are at an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.2-5

Learn about barrett's

Information and resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor. Always discuss diagnosis and treatment information including risks with your doctor. Keep in mind that all treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual patient. Results may vary.

1

Krishnamurthy C, Hilden K, Peterson KA, Mattek N, Adler DG, Fang JC. Endoscopic findings in patients presenting with dysphagia: analysis of a national endoscopy database. Dysphagia. 2012;27(1):101-105. doi:10.1007/s00455-011-9346-0.

2

De Jonge PJ et al. Risk of malignant progression in patients with Barrett’s oesophagus: a Dutch nationwide cohort study. Gut 2010;59:1030-1036.

3

Pohl H, Welch G et al. The role of over diagnosis and reclassification in the marked increase of esophageal adenocarcinoma incidence. J Natl Cancer Inst 2005;97:142-6.

4

Hvid-Jensen F et al. Incidence of adenocarcinoma among patients with Barrett’s esophagus. N Engl J Med 2011;365:1375-83.

5

Gilbert EW et al. Barrett’s esophagus: a review of the literature. J Gastrointest Surg 2011;15:708-1.