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Doctors largely agree on a core group of risk factors, including chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease, smoking and carrying extra pounds in the abdomen.

People with frequent acid reflux may develop gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which can lead to cancer of the esophagus.

After an upper endoscopy, I found out I had gastritis, esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, all of which are potential side effects of the lap band, because when you have a small stomach and a constricted opening, food and acid can have trouble going in the correct direction through your body.

Another new law in the District will require all health insurance plans issued on or after Jan. 1 to cover certain foods required for some medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Ms. Roy’s son has gastroesophageal reflux disease that requires him to be on a specialized amino-acid based formula, and it has frequently been out of stock at stores near her home in Southington, Conn. Without it, her baby cries, vomits and twists his body in pain.