CURE: When Heartburn Isn’t Harmless: Understanding the Link Between GERD and Esophageal Cancer
Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. One natural heartburn cure that's cropped up anecdotally is ginger tea. Since ginger tea is tasty, inexpensive and easy to make, ...
Heartburn happens when stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, called the esophagus. Typically, when food is swallowed, a band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into the stomach. Then the muscle tightens ...
Diagnosis To determine if your heartburn is a symptom of GERD, a healthcare professional may recommend: X-ray, to view the shape and condition of the esophagus and stomach. Endoscopy, to view the esophagus with a tiny camera to check for irregularities. A tissue sample, called a biopsy, may be taken for analysis.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease happens when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus and causes heartburn. It's often called GERD for short. This backwash is known as acid reflux, and it can irritate the lining of the esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux now and then. However, when acid reflux happens repeatedly over time, it can cause GERD.
Severe heartburn and heart attack can be hard to tell apart. Understand how they typically differ, and learn when to get immediate help.
Heartburn, acid reflux, GERD—what’s the real difference? In this episode of Health Matters, gastroenterologist Dr. Dawn Francis breaks it down, explaining why an estimated 1 in 5 Americans experience frequent reflux symptoms. We dive into how diet factors into your gastro health, the mechanics of the digestive system, and the lifestyle changes you can make to get alleviate your reflux ...