Is GERD Genetic?

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease is defined as a chronic disease of the digestive system where stomach acid flows back into your esophagus.

  1. Frequency

    • GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common ailment, so it can be difficult to determine whether having relatives with the disease is a factor in individual cases.

    Incidence in childhood

    • GERD is so prevalent in infancy and childhood, that an estimated 4 in ten will have the condition in their early years, according to Dr. Judith Sondheimer, chief of pediatric gastroenterology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver.

    Link to Chromosome 13

    • In 2000, researchers at Allegheny General Hospital in Pennsylvania identified a genetic link on chromosome 13, but no one has identified a specific gene as of yet in GERD.

    Twins Study Results

    • In 2003, a twins study was done in the United Kingdom that found a substantial genetic factor in GERD cases, further fueling the theory that GERD does have familial links in at least some instances of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

    Future studies

    • If further research into GERD isolates a particular gene, the results would be better treatment for patients suffering from the disease.

Related Searches:

References

Resources

You May Also Like

  • Genetic Cause of GERD

    Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a medical condition that causes the contents of an individual's stomach to leak back into the...

  • Define GERD

    The pain can sometimes mimic that of a heart attack. Nearly one-third of adult Americans suffers from it. Almost ten percent deal...

  • Acid Reflux Causes & Risk Factors

    According to the Mayo Clinic, acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), happens when stomach acid backs up (reflux) into...

  • Information on GERD

    Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a chronic digestive condition that affects the stomach and esophagus. If you have GERD, foods and...

  • How to Get Rid of GERD

    GERD refers to gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition that can cause frequent heartburn, indigestion, coughing, a sore throat, and in severe cases...

  • Genotyping & Plavix Resistance

    Clopidogrel is a drug sold under the brand name Plavix that is designed to help prevent stroke and heart attack in high-risk...

  • GERD Reflux Disease & Pain

    Gastroesophageal reflux disease, often referred to as GERD, is a chronic digestive disease. GERD occurs when stomach acid backs up, flows into...

  • How to Identify Causes of Acid Reflux

    Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can be caused by a variety of reasons from eating a spicy meal...

  • GERD in Children

    Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that affects both children and adults. This condition occurs when the contents of the...

  • What Causes GERD?

    Heartburn, regurgitation after eating, coughing and nausea are all symptoms of GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. But there are simple ways to...

  • Where to Get Recipes for People With GERD

    GERD, or gastro-esophageal reflux disease, is the chronic condition of acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid, or even bile, backs...

  • Treatment for a Hiatal Hernia

    A hiatal hernia is a common condition wherein the upper portion of your stomach protrudes into your chest cavity due to a...

  • Genetic Causation Involved in Parkinson's Disease

    Parkinson's disease is considered to be idiopathic, meaning that its overall cause is unknown. In some cases, however, there does appear to...

  • Starch & Acid Reflux

    Acid reflux, colloquially known as heartburn, has many causes, and diet is cited by many patients as a trigger for attacks of...

  • Herbal Acid Reflux Treatment

    Acid reflux disease (also known as GERD) involves stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus. This can cause a host of...

  • Organic Remedy for GERD

    Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called gerd is a digestive condition that happens when stomach acid flows back up through the esophagus, according...

  • Underlying Causes of GERD

    Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux disease describes a series of severe, chronic symptoms that result when stomach acid enters the...

  • What Causes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

    Gastroesophageal reflux disease--also referred to as acid reflux disease--is a chronic condition that commonly arises after consuming foods or liquids. Symptoms vary...

Related Ads

Featured