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Heartburn/GERD Health Center

Heartburn/GERD Related Topics

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Heartburn/GERD Health Center

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - What Increases Your Risk

Things that increase your risk for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include:

Lifestyle

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Being overweight.
Smoking.
Drinking alcohol.
Eating certain foods, such as chocolate or peppermint, that may relax the valve between the stomach and esophagus.

Health conditions

Being pregnant. Up to 80% of pregnant women have symptoms of GERD during pregnancy.¹ Most of the time, symptoms get better after the baby is born.
Having a hiatal hernia.
Taking certain medicines. If you think that a medicine you take may be causing your GERD symptoms, talk to your doctor.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 11, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.