citizensmemorial.com 13 DIGESTIVE HEALTH It’s not unusual to have indigestion once in a while, especially after a big meal. But heartburn that happens frequently—or comes on with other symptoms—could be a sign of something more serious called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). “GERD is a common digestive complaint,” says Ryan Denney, D.O., with CMH Gastroenterology Clinic in Bolivar. GERD is a digestive disorder that occurs when food and acid from the stomach flow back into the esophagus. It’s uncomfortable and, when left untreated, can increase the risk of esophageal inflammation and cancer. IS HEARTBURN GERD? GERD is often marked by frequent heartburn—a painful, burning feeling in your upper belly and below your chest bone. But GERD can cause other symptoms, too, including regurgitation—spitting up of food from the stomach without nausea—and can atypically contribute to breathing problems like throat clearing, wheezing, coughing or loss of voice. Anyone can have GERD. Being overweight or smoking can significantly raise a person’s risk though. GET HELP FOR GERD GERD has the potential to cause health problems over time. Getting the condition under control is the best way to start feeling better and lower your risk for possible complications. Start by talking with your primary care provider. Together you can come up with a GERD management plan, including lifestyle changes like: » Identifying and avoiding heartburn-triggering foods, such as spicy or acidic foods. » Eating a lower-fat diet. » Trading large meals for smaller, more frequent meals. » Losing weight if needed. » Quitting smoking if you smoke. » Elevating your head while you sleep. “Management of reflux begins with lifestyle modifications, which includes avoiding common triggers of reflux,” says Dr. Denney. “Additionally, some people have more reflux at night, generally when they lie down to sleep.” Solution: Don’t eat before bed, or consider elevating the head of your bed to alleviate reflux symptoms. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs—like antacids, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors—can help too. Surgery can be another option when lifestyle changes and medicines aren’t enough. “Talk to your primary care physician or specialist to see what options are best for you,” says Dr. Denney. Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institutes of Health IF SYMPTOMS OF GERDARE GETTINGYOU DOWN, talk to your PCP and ask for a referral to CMH Gastroenterology Clinic. Board certified gastroenterologist Ryan Denney, M.D., and nurse practitioner Candi Erven, NP-C, specialize in preventing, diagnosing and treating gastroenterology and liver disorders. Call 417-326-8700 for more information. Ryan Denney, D.O. Candi Erven, NP-C GERD? Is your heartburn actually Hear more about GERD from Dr. Denney at cmhbolivar .info/GERD.
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