GERD / Acid Reflux

Overview

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, cough, hoarseness, or a sour taste — especially at night or after meals. Untreated GERD can lead to esophagitis, strictures, and Barrett's esophagus. Clindle treats GERD with lifestyle changes (weight, alcohol, late meals, head-of-bed elevation), H2 blockers like famotidine, and proton-pump inhibitors like omeprazole or pantoprazole, stepped down once symptoms are controlled. Alarm features — trouble swallowing, weight loss, vomiting blood, age >60 with new symptoms — earn a GI referral for endoscopy.