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Issue Date: June 16-20, 2008
GERD
Here's why you shouldn't ignore heartburn -- doing so may lead to serious consequences.
Dr. Amy E. Foxx-Orenstein, FACP, FACG, is the president of the American College of Gastroenterology and associate professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minn.
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More than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and more than a quarter of them feel the burn every day, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. That sensation of burning discomfort behind the breastbone is "the most common symptom of GERD," or gastroesophageal reflux disease, says Dr. Amy E. Foxx-Orenstein, the president of the American College of Gastroenterology. We asked her to clear up some of the most commonly believed myths about GERD.
Myth: Heartburn is nothing to worry about.
Reality: Many people think heartburn is uncomfortable but not a serious health problem. They're wrong. Frequent (occurring at least twice a week) unresolved heartburn can be serious. It's a symptom of GERD, a potentially serious problem. If you ignore it, it can lead to serious health consequences such as esophageal strictures and Barrett's esophagus. People who have heartburn two or more times a week are eight times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than folks who do not have chronic heartburn.
Myth: If you have reflux, you will know it because heartburn hurts.
Reality: Some people with reflux do have heartburn, but many do not. Some who are "asymptomatic" have a lot of reflux but do not have heartburn, pain, discomfort and regurgitation.
Myth: Acid-reducing pills can cure GERD.
Reality: Taking a medication like Prilosec or Tagamet doesn't cure your reflux. You still have reflux. What has happened is that the acid content has changed, and you're not apt to feel the discomfort, but that doesn't mean your GERD has gone away.
Bottom Line: Talk with your doctor about the severity and frequency of your symptoms. GERD is very treatable.GERD
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