GERD, or Gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a common digestive
disorder that affects an estimated 35 percent of people
chronically. GERD is typically characterized by burning feelings
in the chest (heartburn), coughing, asthma-like symptoms,
difficulty swallowing, burping up and even sleep apnea. There
are numerous causes and side effects of GERD, and not all of
them are plainly obvious to the sufferer. A person may suffer
for years, or even a lifetime, not knowing exactly what causes
their troubles. Understandably, this can lead to severe
depression and anxiety if it is bad enough. This is most likely
the number one cause of GERD, affecting supposedly 5 million
Americans, though some think that the numbers are much higher.
Hiatal hernia is not normally accepted by the modern medical
industry, so attempting a diagnosis may prove fruitless. This
condition is caused when the stomach protrudes up through the
hiatus (the opening in the diaphragm). This is not a natural
condition for the stomach. It prevents the