I read somewhere that there is a difference between GER and GERD. Does anyone know what that difference is?

Hi Janette, I think the only difference is that when you have GERD, its something that stays with you - you have the disease due to a weak LES (Stomach sphincter) etc. And GER is an instance of reflux - maybe from eating too much or from eating something that doesnt agree with you. So GER is just a temporary thing that goes away.

Phyllis is pretty much on the money, although let me just add to her response. Even more specifically GER refers to the act of reflux. It's that sour taste in your mouth or throat after eating a big dinner, and more obviously heartburn is a symptom of reflux. Everyone has had it happen at one time or another and it's nothing that we even think about, some may take Tums or even Zantac to help the heartburn but it doesn't go beyond that. It can happen once a week, once a month, once a year...whatever. It's really just from being too full, the excess food puts too much pressure on the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) allowing the reflux to happen. Eating the wrong foods can also have effects on the LES. GER is benign and although it can come back and happen from time to time it does not disrupt your life.

GER is referred to as GERD when it causes complications (http://www.infantrefluxdisease.com/gerdinfo.htm)and needs medical intervention. Although I personally think that how well it responds to treatment has a big factor in this as well. This is an area that I think needs a lot more research and more defined diagnosing techniques. For example, even within the scope of GERD patients there is a wide spectrum of severity. Some may simply have heartburn everyday that doesn't respond to Zantac so they go the doctor b/c it's painful and distracting. The GI gives Prilosec or Prevacid and the patient never has a problem again b/c the drug stops the pain. Technically this is GERD b/c it required medical intervention but should this patient be in the same class as the next guy who has had numerous fundos, Barretts Esophagus, asthma, eroded dental enamel and a hoarse voice. This guy is or has been on every med going at maximum doses and nothing helps so is starting to slip into a depression b/c of constant, untreatable pain and frequent surgeries (I've read posts like this on adult GERD boards). That's where I think there needs to be more of a distinction made. As I said, technically they both have GERD, but I think only the second guy should have that diagnosis.

Bet you're sorry you asked now huh :lol: ...sorry, I tend to get a little carried away with my explanations, I have such strong feelings about this issue.