The Truth About
Living with
GERD
(ARA) - Patients who experience persistent heartburn two or more days a week,
despite treatment and diet changes, may have acid reflux disease (ARD), also
known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a condition that may
lead to serious complications including esophageal ulcers, esophageal narrowing
and Barrett's esophagus. More than 15 million adults in the United States
experience GERD.
"After years of suffering, I finally teamed up with my
doctor to find an effective treatment plan and am now able to
manage my acid
reflux disease," says football legend John Elway. "I could have talked to my
doctor to identify a treatment much earlier. I'm working to motivate other
people to talk to their doctor sooner than I did, in the hope that they won't
have to deal with heartburn pain for years the way I did."
Caused by a
frequent and abnormal backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, one of
the most common symptoms of GERD is heartburn. Other symptoms of GERD include
ear, nose and throat symptoms, regurgitation and chest pain not related to the
heart. As a result, millions of people continue to suffer from GERD. Treatment
measures and lifestyle adjustments can provide much needed relief for these
sufferers.
"While changes in diet and lifestyle are sometimes enough to
lessen the symptoms of GERD, it's important to see your doctor if you are
experiencing heartburn two or more days a week," says Dr. Timothy Harlan.
"Over-the-counter treatments, such as antacids, and lifestyle adjustments can
help, but only your physician can determine if you have GERD."
Dr.
Harlan recommends the following lifestyle guidelines to help GERD sufferers
control their symptoms:
* Keep a food diary - Regularly logging symptoms
and their causes will help to identify GERD-triggers so you can work to avoid
them in the future.
* Avoid foods that trigger GERD - Certain foods are
more closely associated with causing GERD symptoms than others. GERD sufferers
may want to avoid coffee, tea, chocolate, alcohol, citrus juices, tomato-based
foods and foods that are spicy or fatty.
* Sit upright after a meal -
Avoid lying down for several hours after eating to enhance passing of stomach
contents.
* Sleep with the head of the bed elevated 6-8 inches - This
action may help to keep the stomach empty, which can lessen acid backflowing
into the esophagus, alleviating GERD symptoms.
* Watch your weight - If
you are overweight, weight loss can reduce GERD symptoms.
* Wear loose
fitting clothing - Tight clothes and belts can put pressure on your
stomach.
* Avoid smoking - It is thought that smokers produce less saliva
than nonsmokers. Saliva can neutralize and wash away lingering stomach
acid.
* Exercise - Exercises that increase abdominal pressure, such as
bending over, lifting heavy objects, and running may aggravate heartburn,
whereas stationary bike riding may be a good exercise for those with GERD.
"While these adjustments can help to minimize the symptoms of GERD," Dr.
Harlan notes, "lifestyle changes and antacids may not be sufficient in treating
the condition. Patients should talk to their healthcare professional about how
they're feeling. Only a physician can diagnose ARD or GERD. If they are
experiencing heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet
changes, it could be GERD. People need to know that GERD is a serious condition,
but effective treatments are available."
Prevacid (lansoprazole) is a
prescription medicine indicated for the short-term treatment of GERD. Individual
results may vary. For more information about GERD and related disorders make an
appointment with your doctor and go to www.theGERDlife.com.
Important
Information: If you suffer from persistent heartburn two or more days a week,
despite treatment and diet changes, it may be acid reflux disease (ARD).
Prescription Prevacid has a low occurrence of side effects such as diarrhea,
abdominal pain, and nausea, and is not right for everyone. Symptom relief does
not rule out serious stomach conditions. Please see full prescribing
information, visit www.prevacid.com and discuss with your doctor whether
Prevacid might be right for you.
Courtesy of ARA Content 
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