It is possible for someone to have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) without heartburn. However, heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD.

Heartburn involves a burning sensation in the chest. This discomfort may radiate toward the throat and often occurs after eating or when lying down.

As well as heartburn, GERD can cause the following symptoms:

GERD occurs when an opening in the esophagus, or food pipe, becomes weak or relaxes when it should not. Certain medications and lifestyle factors, such as pregnancy and smoking, may contribute to this.

GERD is a common condition that affects between 18.1% and 27.8% of people in the United States. It is a long lasting, severe condition that typically involves repeated symptoms.

People can take steps to manage GERD symptoms at home. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as antacids, can help with mild symptoms. H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can also help by lowering the amount of acid that the stomach produces.

The following lifestyle changes may also reduce symptoms:

  • maintaining or achieving a moderate weight
  • elevating the head when sleeping
  • quitting smoking, if applicable
  • avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, which may include spicy food or alcohol

If these changes do not relieve symptoms, people need to contact a doctor. A doctor may perform tests to understand if GERD is definitely the cause and suggest alternative treatments, such as surgery.

GERD can cause serious complications, so it is important to seek a diagnosis and treatment, particularly if lifestyle changes do not help. When diagnosing GERD, a doctor may check for other health conditions and complications, including:

Other severe health conditions can have similar symptoms to GERD. People need to seek immediate medical help if they experience the following symptoms, which could indicate a heart attack:

  • sudden, severe chest pain that does not go away
  • chest pain that radiates to the arms, neck, back, jaw, or stomach
  • chest pain with: