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 Get
Heartburn Off Your Chest
Heartburn
is uncomfortable and annoying, and just about everyone experiences it occasionally.
But chronic heartburn—the kind that strikes almost every day and interferes
with your quality of life—is a warning sign. It may be due to gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD), a condition that can lead to serious problems if untreated. More
than 61 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and 15 million
heave heartburn every day. And although GERD is this common, it often goes unrecognized
- its symptoms misunderstood. Here's
What Happens
Heartburn occurs when small amounts of stomach acid rise
up into the esophagus - the "swallowing" tube that carries food from
the mouth to the stomach. Its called reflux. The esophagus, unlike the stomach,
does not have a protective lining, so when it is exposed to the acid, it can become
inflamed and painful. Reflux
can have potential serious health consequences when not treated appropriately.
Acid reflux can lead to pre-cancerous conditions such as Barrett's Esophagus,
cause permanent scarring of the esophagus, or create serious throat and lung conditions,
making proper treatment of reflux important to your health. Symptoms
of GERD - Heartburn
- Swallowed
food or fluid coming back into the mouth
- Difficulty
swallowing
- Chronic
hoarseness, sore throat, throat-clearing or coughing
- Chronic
sinus problems
- Asthma
or wheezing
- Vomiting
- Gas,
belching, bloating or indigestion after meals
Don't
Let Acid Reflux Get You Down GERD
is a treatable condition, and that means you don't have to live with its discomfort
and pain any longer. The Florida Hospital Digestive Health Center provides the
very latest options for diagnosis and treatment. If
you are part of the 40 percent of Americans who surfer from GERD and would prefer
to be heartburn and symptom free, relief could be just a phone call away. The
Florida Hospital Digestive Health Center is recognized by U.S.News & World
Report as one of America's best hospitals for the treatment
of digestive disorders, and offers seven convenient locations. For
a physician referral and priority scheduling, please call toll free 1-866-888-0866.
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