Is it GERD with no heartburn?

My 4th child was born six years ago but the burping and wind pain that had plagued the pregnancy never went away. My dr said it was GERD and lifestyle changes like avoiding spicy, fatty, irritating foods and having small regular meals would keep it under control. Certainly these foods make it worse and if I really overindulge in something spicy/fatty I can get dreadful wind pains in my stomach, but I wonder if it can be GERD as I never get heartburn. I am 44, female, healthy weight, exercise regularly, good diet. I have regular and normal bowel movements so don't think IBS is relevant. Other things that bring on burps/belches are an empty stomach, driving along a bumpy road, bending over, lying down or exercising less than 2hrs after a meal. What could it be and what could I do about it?

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi JC63,
Your symptoms are suggestive of GERD.
Though heartburn is a classic symptom of GERD, some of the patients with GERD may not have heartburn.

The confirmatory test of GERD is 24 hours pH monitoring.
================================================================
The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.