1. My Essential Question: What is GERD Side Question: What Causes GERD Side Question 2: How do you treat GERD By: Devin Montague Why I chose it: I chose it because I was diagnosed with GERD 4 years ago

2.  GERD is a results of stomach acid moving backward from the stomach to the esophagus. This happens when (LEV).  Over time GERD if not treated or a severe case it can damage the tissue along the esophagus causing inflammation and pain.

3.  There’s no specific cause doctors believe the way the LEV works affects it a lot.  GERD can also cause a Hiatus Hernia.

4.  Some ways it can occurs is when the LEV opens at a inappropriate time. Also displacement of the LEV can occur this is called Hiatus Hernia.

5.  What can make a GERD worse is obesity, drinking alcohol, Smoking, and pregnancy.  Alcohol and smoking are a Very big factor in GERD.  Obesity, and Pregnancy also affect GERD.

6.  Foods That can Irritate GERD are:  Citrus fruit  Chocolate  Drinks or food with Caffeine  Fatty and Fried Foods  Garlic and onions  Mint flavoring  Spicy Foods  Tomato based foods, like spaghetti sauce, chili, and pizza

7.  There are several was to treat GERD or slow down the process of it.  Quitting smoking  Avoiding alcohol  Losing weight if overweight  Eating small meals  Wearing loose fitting clothes  Avoiding carbonated beverages

8.  Over the counter brands like Rolaids, Maalox, Zantac, Tagamet, Pepcid, and Axid. Can help GERD from happening on a daily basis.  Surgery is not a common thing but it can happen if your case is severer.

9.  1. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Is one of the top 4 hospital in America founded in Cleveland, Ohio  2. TeensHealth.org Founded in 1936 and devoted to improving the health of children.  3. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Founded in 1964 nonprofit organization that represents over 9,000 surgeons