Synonyms

• GER
• GERD
• Reflux Esophagitis
• Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a digestive disorder characterized by the passage or flowing back (reflux) of the contents of the stomach or small intestines (duodenum) into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus). Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux may include a sensation of warmth or burning rising up to the neck area (heartburn or pyrosis), swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), and chest pain. This condition is a common problem and may be a symptom of other gastrointestinal disorders.

Resources

Digestive Disease National Coalition
507 Capitol Court, NE
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20002
Tel: (202)544-7497
Fax: (202)546-7105
Email: ddnc@hmcw.org
Internet: http://www.ddnc.org

NIH/National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases
Office of Communications & Public Liaison
Bldg 31, Rm 9A06
31 Center Drive, MSC 2560
Bethesda, MD 20892-2560
Tel: (301)496-3583
Email: NDDIC@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 17864
Milwaukee, WI 53217
USA
Tel: (414)964-1799
Fax: (414)964-7176
Tel: (888)964-2001
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: http://www.iffgd.org

Tracheo Oesophageal Fistula Support Group
St. George's Centre
91 Victory Road
Netherfield
Nottingham, Intl NG4 2NN
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)115 961 3092
Fax: +44 (0)115 961 3097
Email: info@tofs.org.uk
Internet: http://www.tofs.org.uk

Pediatric/Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association, Inc.
PO Box 7728
Silver Spring, MD 20907
Tel: (301)601-9541
Email: gergroup@aol.com
Internet: http://www.reflux.org

MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay, WI 54301-1243
USA
Tel: (920)336-5333
Fax: (920)339-0995
Tel: (877)336-5333
Email: mums@netnet.net
Internet: http://www.netnet.net/mums/

Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)251-4925
Fax: (301)251-4911
Tel: (888)205-2311
TDD: (888)205-3223
Internet: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/

CORE
3 St. Andrews Place
London, NW1 4LB
UK
Tel: 020 7486 0341
Fax: 020 7224 2012
Email: info@corecharity.org.uk
Internet: http://www.corecharity.org.uk

Gastroparesis & Dysmotilities Association
5520 Dalhart Hill N.W.
Calgary, AB, T3A 1S9
Canada
Tel: 403-247-3215
Email: jkf@gpda.net
Internet: http://www.digestivedistress.com

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be downloaded free from the NORD website for registered users. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational therapies (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated:  3/26/2008
Copyright  1989, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.