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GERD, abbreviation for gastroesophageal reflux disease. See gastroesophageal reflux. An abbreviation which takes into account the UK/US spelling differences of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (see there)/gastroesophageal reflux disease (GOR/GER if referring to reflux alone).
This is a more severe and chronic form of acid reflux known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or GORD) and should be investigated and treated appropriately. Acute acid reflux however, is temporary and may pass with no treatment. It is not uncommon for the terms acid reflux and GERD to be used interchangeably. Both refer to gastric contents rising up into the esophagus. However the causes, severity of symptoms, and treatment may differ and there is a host of even potentially life threatening complications associated with GERD.