2007-07-23 07:47:14 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Medically speaking, heartburn is a sensation of warmth or burning in the chest (esophagus). Heartburn may be a symptom of GERD. If you have frequent heartburn (several times a week), you may need to be evaluated for GERD.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (between your esophagus and stomach) fails to close properly, forcing stomach acids into your esophagus. The esophagus becomes inflamed and irritated and may shed cells (erosive esophagitis). This inflammation may lead to a precancerous condition called Barrett's Esophagus, which may then lead to esophageal cancer. You do NOT have to have heartburn for this damage to be occurring.
Barium x-rays are the simplest tests to determine GERD. You drink a chalky fluid while being x-rayed; this will reveal whether your lower esophageal sphincter functions properly.
GERD can usually be controlled by medications and by lifestyle changes such as not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding foods that cause GERD.
The Mayo Clinic has an excellent article about GERD at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gerd/DS00967.
2007-07-23 09:17:21 · answer #1 · answered by july 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
1
2016-12-20 07:58:32 · answer #2 · answered by Jeanne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This book is probably the most informative and practical guide on the subject of acid reflux and heartburn that I have ever read https://tr.im/Bf68P
I was prescribed Lansoprazole which was brilliant but after two years of aching joints, extreme muscle pain which the doc gave me cortisone jags for, with some research I discovered the drug Lansoprazole was causing these rare side effects but it was I who diagnosed it NOT my doctor, I came off the drug 2 months ago, changed my diet and discovered just eating an apple stops any acid reflux, I eat an apple before bed, brilliant no acid, any time I feel the slightest sign of reflux I simply eat an apple. Apple juice is not that good nor is anything else I have tried including honey at stopping reflux.
2016-01-21 11:38:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heartburn is a general term which can cover acid reflux and stomach upset. Acid reflux is when gastric acid creeps up the esophagus causing pain and eventually tissue damage.
2016-04-01 09:09:44 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, heartburn can usually be cured quickly with rolaids, tum, etc, acid reflux is much more serious and needs prescription strengh medication to control the symptoms.
2007-07-23 08:23:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
2007-07-23 07:54:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋