A 42-year-old woman has heartburn after meals and a sour taste in her mouth. For the past 4-6 months she has had symptoms several times per week. Symptoms are worse when she lies down or bends over. Antacids help somewhat. The patient has no dysphagia, vomiting, abdominal pain, exertional symptoms, melena, or weight loss. Past medical history and family history are noncontributory. The patient drinks alcohol occasionally and does not smoke. On physical exam, height is 5 feet 4 inches, weight 170 pounds, and blood pressure 140/88 mmHg. The remainder of the exam is unremarkable.

heartburn after meals | sour taste in her mouth | aggravated by lie down or bends over | relieved by Antacids | hypertension

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

https://online.epocrates.com/diseases/8222/Gastroesophageal-reflux-disease/Common-Vignette Epidemiology GERD is a common condition that affects between 10% and 30% of people in developed countries. [8] There is global variation, with less than 10% prevalence in East Asia. [8] [9] All age groups are affected. There is no evidence for clear predictive factors. Obesity is considered a risk factor for GERD. [10] [11] The risk may be related to increasing BMI. In one meta-analysis, the relative risk for symptoms was 1.43 for BMI 25-30 kg/m² and 1.94 for BMI >30 kg/m². [10] Twin studies suggest that a genetic component may exist. [12] Alcohol use, smoking, and intake of specific foods (such as coffee, mints, citrus fruits, or fats) may predispose to, or trigger, GERD, but associations are typically modest. Drugs that reduce lower esophageal sphincter pressure (e.g., calcium channel blockers) may promote GERD. [13]