Beating GERD Naturally by Partha Nandi MD

Author:Partha Nandi MD [Partha Nandi MD FACP]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: -
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2018-04-26T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 4

5 MYTHS ABOUT GERD DEBUNKED

After seeing thousands of patients for GERD, I think I’ve heard every misconception and misunderstanding about this condition. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and it can make your symptoms worse if you follow the wrong advice. As I explain to my patients, one of the first things you can do to be a #HealthHero and take control of GERD is to educate yourself about the condition. In this chapter, you’ll discover five of the most common myths about GERD that could be holding you back from getting the relief you want. With knowledge on your side, you’ll be on your way to better health.

Myth #1

IF I HAVE HEARTBURN, IT’S NOTHING SERIOUS

Did you reach for that extra piece of gooey, cheesy pizza at dinner and now you’re feeling a burning sensation in your chest that’s preventing you from sleeping? Most of us experience heartburn at some point in our lives when we overdo it—stuffing ourselves during the holidays, diving into bowls of ice cream at midnight, noshing on supersized portions of fries. For occasional heartburn, you might pop an antacid and feel better. You probably think it’s no big deal. But heartburn can be a sign of something more serious, so you need to pay attention to it.

If you have heartburn at least three times a week for an extended period, it’s time to see your doctor. You might have GERD, the underlying cause of heartburn, which can lead to serious complications, such as esophagitis, stricture, ulcers, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer. If acid is regularly rising up into your esophagus, it can irritate the lining. This can cause ulcers like Juanita had, or it can lead to a narrowing of your food tube. This makes it harder for your esophagus to do its job of pushing the food down into your stomach. For some people, this means food gets stuck on its way down. In fact, one of the most common reasons I’m called to the hospital in the middle of the night is to treat people who have food caught in their esophagus. I see so many people in the hospital with beef, pork, chicken, or other foods in their food tube. It’s a miserable feeling that gives them a sense of doom. I have to insert a small fiber-optic device into the esophagus and either push the food down or pull it out. Believe me, it’s not fun.

Even worse, untreated GERD can lead to a serious condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which can increase your risk for esophageal cancer. (See chapter 3 for more information on these health complications.) This is why it’s so important to see a healthcare professional if you have any symptoms of GERD. With early diagnosis, we can try to prevent this type of cancer.

Myth #2

IF I HAVE GERD, ONLY MEDICINE CAN FIX ME

Many people turn to over-the-counter and prescription medications to treat GERD. The most commonly used drugs include:

Antacids

These OTC drugs work by neutralizing the acid in your stomach.

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