GERD and GER are often interchangeably used medical terms. They are not entirely different conditions. However, there are subtle differences that you have to know to identify your exact problem. Here is everything you need to know about GER and GERD and their differences.

1. The intensity of the condition
The first and most important difference between GER and GERD is the intensity of the condition. Gastroesophageal reflux is a milder condition that can be handled with home remedies or lifestyle changes. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a more complex form of GER and may need medical attention.

2. Symptoms
When it comes to GER, the most common symptom is heartburn. Heartburn is a condition that causes a burning sensation in the esophagus, especially after a meal. Apart from heartburn, here are other symptoms you should be aware of when it comes to GERD.

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Acidity
• Severe regurgitation
• Chronic cough

3. Time frame
People with GER may experience heartburn once every few weeks or once or twice a month. The condition goes away by itself when you take the right treatment. With GERD, though, the condition is chronic, and you may experience the symptoms more than twice a week.

4. Causes
GER is caused when the stomach acid flows back to the esophagus because of an immaturely formed Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). This is very common in children under one year. The LES muscles take time to fully function, and before that, they may allow the backflow of substances from the stomach to the esophagus. The same problem causes GERD, but here, the LES muscles could be permanently damaged or non-functional. As a result, the symptoms are more pronounced, advanced, and regular here.

5. Risk factors
Age is a risk factor for GER. A majority of babies have GER and spit up after every meal. An occasional oily or fatty meal can also cause heartburn, and the condition gets better in a few hours or after a day. The below given are risk factors for GERD:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Pregnancy
• Connective tissue disorders like scleroderma
• Hiatal hernia
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Alcohol abuse
• Stress

6. Treatment
When it comes to GER, lifestyle changes like being active and eating healthy meals on time can be solutions themselves. You don’t have to depend on medications, and when needed, antacids can help with heartburn. For more intensive GERD, prescription medications like calcium channel blockers can help keep the symptoms at bay. Sometimes, a surgery called fundoplication may be needed to prevent stomach acid from flowing back up. This could be laparoscopic or an open abdomen surgery, depending on individual conditions.

Make a note of all these differences between GER and GERD and try identifying how intensive your current symptoms are. Talk to a doctor to get better clarity.