The distasteful truth about GERD

Chronic heartburn isn’t just about you overeating. The acid reflux may eat away at you, specifically your esophagus. If your heartburn is persistent – say, more than twice a week – tell your doctor about it.

If you have persistent heartburn and you are a white male smoker over age 50 who is losing weight, you’re flying most of the red flags for serious GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease). If heartburn is affecting your sleep or your enjoyment of food, doctors are standing by to help you out – and you probably need them.

You may find that your doctor recommends an endoscopy. If your doctor sees any of a number of serious conditions, you might be talking about special medication or even surgery to correct a hiatal hernia or other condition. And don’t put it off too long – severe GERD can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, which is a serious risk factor for esophageal cancer.