In 1999, the U.S. National Health Observances calendar was updated to designate the week of Thanksgiving as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Awareness Week. What is this condition, and why does it merit a national awareness week, especially one that includes America’s holiday centered on eating? GERD is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that … Read More
Acid Reflux on the Rise
The American Gastroenterological Association reports that more than 60 million Americans experience symptoms of heartburn (caused by acid reflux) at least once each month, while a long-term Norwegian study recently revealed that that the number of people who experience acid reflux at least once a week has increased by 50% in the last 10 years.
What’s making you burp?
If you have been experiencing acid reflux, heartburn and belching, even nausea or chest pain, you could have a hiatal hernia. The condition is extremely common, often going undiagnosed and untreated for years. Being largely asymptomatic, you may never know you have one unless your doctor finds it while checking for another condition.