Other conditions with symptoms similar to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Conditions that may have symptoms similar to those caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include:
- Peptic ulcer disease, in which crater-shaped sores develop when the digestive juices produced by the stomach damage and erode the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).
- Infections of the esophagus, such as a yeast infection (candida) or a viral infection caused by the herpes virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or cytomegalovirus (CMV).
- Inflammation of the lining of the esophagus (esophagitis) caused by taking certain medicines.
- Problems with the way the esophagus functions (esophageal motor disorders).
- Coronary artery disease (CAD), which is caused by the buildup of plaque on the inside of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to heart muscle.
- Cancer of the esophagus.
- Crohn's disease, which causes inflammation and ulcers that may affect the deepest layers of the lining of the digestive tract. This can sometimes affect the esophagus.
| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: March 31, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology | |
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