GERD

Q: I have this terrible heartburn and use about 20 Tums a day. Should I be worried?

A: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube from your throat to your stomach. A valve normally prevents the stomach acid from moving up into this tube. If you have reflux, the tube does not close like it should. If you have mild GERD symptoms like heartburn, you might be able to use antacids, but it sounds like you may have a bigger problem. There are good prescription medications available that work well. Other over the counter medicine may help, including Gaviscon, Pepcid, Zantac, or Prilosec. Spicy and acidic foods, coffee, chocolate, mint, alcohol, and using tobacco can all make reflux worse. Changing diet and losing weight can help prevent it. It is best to eat several small meals instead of large meals. Reflux can also be helped by sleeping with your upper body elevated. Using extra pillows usually does not help, but placing six-inch blocks under the head of the bed will offer some relief. There can be serious problems that develop from reflux, from chronic sinus problems, to pneumonia, to esophageal cancer, so it is not a bad idea to get it checked out.

Dr. Rick Casey

Questions can be submitted directly to the providers, called in to Mercy Clinic at 417/876-5851 or submitted through their new App mymercy.net.

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