Health Hub: Gerd Awareness Week

This Thanksgiving, we're grateful for GERD Awareness.
Site Staff,

For many, holiday feasts can end in heartburn that could be a sign of a serious medical condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Each year around the week of Thanksgiving, GERD Awareness Week reminds us that uncomfortable symptoms caused by food can be treated safely and effectively.

What is GERD?

Acid reflux is caused when gastric acid from your stomach flows back up into your food pipe or esophagus. GERD is a more severe form of reflux that is often associated with heartburn. Those experiencing GERD may taste regurgitated food or sour liquid in the throat coupled with a burning sensation in the chest.

Millions of people use over-the-counter, heartburn medications to mask the painful symptoms associated with reflux. However, most people don’t know that these medications fail to block the harmful effects of stomach fluids on the delicate tissues of the esophagus — which can lead to serious complications such as esophageal cancer.

Talk to your doctor about getting tested if you:

  • Have more than occasional heartburn symptoms
  • Have experienced heartburn in the past, but the symptoms are now gone
  • Have any pain or difficulty swallowing
  • Have a family history of Barrett’s Esophagus or esophageal cancer
  • Have an ongoing, unexplained cough
  • Have been speaking with a hoarse voice over several weeks
  • Have a long-lasting, unexplained sore throat
  • Cough or choke when you lie down

Stop GERD at its Source

Florida Hospital Medical Group offers offer a full array of state-of-the-art, diagnostic and treatment services — some of which can eliminate acid reflux forever. Don’t just mask the symptoms of GERD. Get a proper diagnosis from our expert physicians so you can receive safe, customized treatment.

And we offer coordinated, patient care for a full range of gastrointestinal diagnostics, minimally invasive surgical procedures and non-surgical treatment options. If you are suffering from chronic acid reflux, also known as (GERD), there is no need to suffer anymore. We can help. Visit StopTheReflux.com to learn more or call (407) 278-6278 to schedule an appointment.

Florida Hospital Medical Group is the Orlando area’s most comprehensive multi-specialty medical group practice. With nearly 600 board-certified physicians, our group provides patients with a broad range of medical and surgical services across more than 40 medical specialties.

*Source: IFFGD

Categories: Metropoly