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Anatacids Don't Make You Better
 

An estimated 40 million Americans have heartburn at least once a week. Television commercials make light of it -- "Oh honey, I overate again, pass the Pepto-Bismol!" -- but heartburn remedies (such as Tums, Rolaids, Tagamet HB, Pepcid AC, Zantac 75, Prilosec and Nexium) are among the biggest-selling drugs of all time.

While an occasional bout of heartburn may indeed be the price of indulgence, an estimated seven million to 15 million people have a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter -- a kind of 'trap door' into the stomach -- doesn't close properly. Stomach contents erupt into the esophagus, causing the burning sensation called heartburn. According to Steven R. Peikin, MD, professor of medicine and head of the gastroenterology division at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey, heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be GERD. Left untreated, it can eventually lead to more serious health problems, including cancer.

Doctors have long recommended use of acid suppressants to ease heartburn and GERD to not only ease the pain but to theoretically prevent those serious risks. The problem is that those drugs only treat the symptom, not the cause. GERD is not caused by too much stomach acid -- it's caused by acid being improperly managed. Specifically, if adequate stomach acid is not produced with meals or is not made by an empty irritated stomach, it may end up leaving the stomach and being refluxed back into the esophagus.

So what's the problem? Acid suppressants ease the pain, right? For one thing, the overuse of antacids and suppression of pain keeps people from getting screened by their doctor for much more serious issues, such as Barrett's esophagus, which can develop into cancer. Barrett's esophagus typically results from years of chronic GERD, and as many as 12% of GERD sufferers will develop it. Up to 10% of those with Barrett's will develop cancer.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE

If you experience heartburn symptoms twice a week - or more -- you need to be checked by a professional. Of course the problem is finding one who will not only write a prescription for an antacid and call it a day. Daily Health News contributing editor Andrew L. Rubman, ND, specializes in treatment of digestive disorders. According to Dr. Rubman, GERD is best treated with modification of eating habits, diet and supplements that often include those designed to increase stomach acid.

Gastritis should be treated as a serious disease. For an occasional upset stomach, antacids can be quick and effective at easing your pain. If, however, you are taking them with any regularity, it is best to get checked for GERD so that you can properly and effectively treat your problem once and for all.

Be well,


Carole Jackson
Bottom Line's Daily Health News

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