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- Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. Heartburn is the burning, painful sensation felt when acid and fluids from the stomach back up into the esophagus.
- Other names for heartburn are acid indigestion, acid reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux or GER.
- Although statistics vary a bit, we can say that every week about 40 million Americans have heartburn and forty percent of all Americans have had it at least once.
- "Ordinary" heartburn is not the same thing as gastroesophageal reflux disease. But frequent, persistent, severe heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD in adults. Anyone experiencing heartburn twice a week or more may have GERD.
- You can also have GERD with no heartburn. Other symptoms could be difficulty swallowing, a dry cough, or asthma symptoms.
- Over-the-counter (non-prescription) antacids can be very effective in eliminating heartburn symptoms.
- Lifestyle changes (including changes in what, when, and how much you eat, as well eliminating smoking and alcohol) are also very effective in eliminating GER symptoms.
- If you have heartburn more than twice a week, or have been using antacids for two weeks in a row, you may have GERD and should see your doctor.
- GERD should be treated and monitored because, if ignored, it can lead to serious complications. Currently available treatments are very effective.
- Your regular doctor can probably treat GERD, though you may need to see a specialist called a gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats diseases of the stomach and intestines.
- Standard treatments for GERD include prescription medication and, when needed, a surgery that can now be done laparoscopically (i.e. using minimally invasive techniques).
- Children and even infants can have both GER and GERD. Most infants with GER are healthy even though they may spit up or vomit often, and they usually outgrow it by their first birthday. If they show symptoms beyond then, they may have GERD.
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