GERD and Ulcers : What do I have?

Dear Ask The Doctor: When I was in the 8th grade I got sick and had to go to the doctors and found out that I had GERD. I am now currently in 11th grade and acid reflux has been bothering me on and off for the previous years. I know that I have not been doing everything that I should have to stay perfectly healthy but it is really hard to do with my school days being so long and then doing other things at night. I have started having more pain in my stomach and I am getting more and more concerned about this. My thraot feels fine, I dont have any problems with it, but at times I feel like my stomach is eating itself. Could GERD have an effect on my stomach such as peptic ulcers?

Dear Leila: GERD and peptic ulcers are two different entities. GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter relaxs abnormally thus leading to reflux of the stomach acid into the esophagus thus leading to heart burn. Peptic ulcer on the other hand is caused by a bacteria and this leads to increased acid production which then leads to symptoms like pain, burning sensation etc. GERD and peptic ulcer although different conditions can definately exist together. You need to modify your diet , eat at regular intervals ( avoid long periods on am empty stomach). Also contact your GP to get tested for h.pylori( the bacteria that leads to ulcers ) and get treatment for the same if present. All the best.