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What
is GERD?
Doctors call it acid reflux. It occurs when acids from the stomachback
up into the esophagus—where they don’t belong.
Iowa City gastroenterologist
Joseph Truszkowski, MD, says that if acid reflux persists, it can
lead to swelling, ulcers, erosion or scar tissue in the esophagus.
This is called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, but not the only one.
Dr. Truszkowski
says that hoarseness, sore throat, an asthma-like cough, difficulty
swallowing and even loss of
tooth enamel are other possible symptoms. Infact, some people with
GERD don’t experience
heartburn at all.
Many people
can manage mild acid reflux with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter
products.
Being obese, overeating, smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeine,
and wearing tight-fitting clothing can cause heartburn. Chocolate
and fatty foods can also trigger it, and some people are sensitive
to
other foods.
Dr. Truszkowski suggests that you see your health care provider
if you develop recurring heartburn at age 50 or older, or if you
have any of these symptoms:
- Difficulty
swallowing
- Regurgitating
blood; or black, tarry stools
- Unexplained
weight loss
- Any symptoms
that don’t respond to a short course of over-the-counter
medications.
If you would
like a nurse to help you make an appointment with a Mercy doctor,
call Mercy On Call at
358-2767 or 800-358-2767, or visit www.findamercydoctor.com.
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