Take Control of Your Digestive Health: IFFGD Launches GERD Awareness Week 2026 Campaign "Read the Signs"

New nationwide initiative empowers millions to look beyond heartburn, recognize silent GERD symptoms, and join the "Track It to Treat It" 7-day challenge.

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Millions of adults wake up every morning with a strained voice, clearing their throats, or relying on over-the-counter antacids just to make it through the day. What many dismiss as routine indigestion could actually be a chronic medical condition. This November 22–28, 2026, the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) is launching its national campaign, GERD Awareness Week 2026: "Read the Signs: When Reflux Isn't Just Heartburn" (#ReadTheSigns), to break the silence surrounding gastroesophageal reflux disease.

GERD affects up to 20% of the U.S. population, yet it remains widely misunderstood. Beyond the classic chest burning, millions suffer from "silent GERD"—manifesting as chronic coughing, morning hoarseness, sore throat, or a persistent lump-in-throat sensation. Left untreated, long-term acid exposure can lead to serious complications, including esophageal strictures and Barrett's esophagus. IFFGD is calling on individuals to stop normalizing daily discomfort and take charge of their health.

Recognizing the Symptoms of GERD

• Common Symptoms: Persistent heartburn, acid regurgitation, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, excessive belching, and tooth enamel erosion.
• Extra-Esophageal / Silent Symptoms: Chronic throat irritation, morning hoarseness, persistent cough, and globus sensation (a lump-in-throat feeling).
• Red Flag Symptoms: Dysphagia (difficulty or pain swallowing), food getting stuck, vomiting blood, black stools, or unexplained weight loss require immediate medical attention.

To learn more about symptoms and management options, visit www.aboutGERD.org.

Empowering Patient Action: The 7-Day Challenge A cornerstone of this year's campaign is the "Track It to Treat It" Challenge. IFFGD invites the public to spend one week logging their symptoms, diet triggers, antacid usage, and nighttime disruptions. By taking this symptom diary straight to their healthcare provider, patients transform vague discomfort into actionable clinical conversations.

"You don't have to live with painful or disruptive reflux," said Ceciel T. Rooker, President of IFFGD. "The week of Thanksgiving is GERD Awareness Week, and it is about shifting the narrative from self-treatment to proactive care. When we empower people to recognize silent GERD and equip them with tracking tools, we give them the confidence to advocate for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment."

Join the Movement & Share the Message To help partners, healthcare providers, and community members amplify this life-changing message, IFFGD has released an all-in-one digital toolkit. The public is encouraged to download materials, share ready-to-use social media graphics, and spread campaign videos across Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn using the official hashtags #ReadTheSigns and #GERDAwarenessWeek2026.

• Learn More & Access Resources: www.aboutGERD.org
• Download Campaign Media Assets: Campaign Dropbox Hub

About IFFGD The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and research organization founded in 1991. IFFGD is dedicated to informing, assisting, and supporting people affected by chronic gastrointestinal conditions. Visit our websites at www.iffgd.org or www.aboutGERD.org.

Media Contact: Hayley McCorkle, Program Manager International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) Email: [email protected] Phone: (414) 964-1799 Address: 537 Long Point Rd., Suite 101, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. 29464

SOURCE IFFGD