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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