Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a widespread, chronic condition common in the Western world. More than 25 million Americans experience heartburn or other GERD symptoms weekly. However, controversy surrounds its diagnosis and treatment because not all patients with GERD have heartburn and not all patients with heartburn have GERD. Radiologic technologists can better serve their patients by understanding this common yet complicated disease and the tests used to diagnose it.