heartburn misdiagnosis
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Do you have trouble sleeping? Do you awake at night with a bitter taste in the mouth, choking and difficulty breathing that? Do you have recurring heartburn – a feeling burning up from the stomach or lower chest to the neck?
If you answered yes to these questions, it is likely that you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a serious disease that affects millions of people around the world.
GERD is a benign tract characterized by upper gastrointestinal reflux or reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus or food tube. Heartburn is the main symptom of GERD is experienced by 34 to 44 per cent of the population in Western countries. All of us experience heartburn from time to time, especially after meals. However, the frequent heartburn may indicate the presence of GERD.
In the U.S. alone, 60 million people suffer twice a month because of GERD, while 25 million bothersome symptoms experienced daily. Recent reports also show that GERD is a common health problem in Asia, particularly among urban dwellers.
Unfortunately, many people with GERD are aware of their problem, because the condition is often dismissed as a minor stomach problem or misdiagnosed as indigestion. A survey of 1,700 Europeans with GERD symptoms showed that only five per cent consulted their doctors about the problem. Although most victims GERD do not require urgent medical attention, repeated episodes of GERD can have a significant impact on quality of life person.
How serious is GERD? Participants at Digestive Disease Week in San Francisco, reported that "physical and mental qualities of life of patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux are of the same scale as those with severe cardiovascular disease. "In fact, the condition can be alarming to most patients because it mimics angina pectoris (chest pain due to heart disease).
The physical suffering experienced by patients with GERD is caused by the stomach and / or chest discomfort after meals that may radiate to the shoulder and arm, a bitter taste in the mouth, inability to sleep well at night, fatigue and difficulty or pain upon swallowing.
The mental anguish of victims of GERD comes from not knowing what the disease is not the relief of symptoms despite the high cost of treatment due to misdiagnosis. Untreated, the disease can lead to esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) and other complications such as cancer.
Since GERD is a health problem importantly, we must be aware of their symptoms and seek effective medical treatment. This will save us from physical and mental anguish that the disease brings, unnecessary expensive tests, and life-threatening complications.
One way to avoid GERD is was beyond fatty and spicy foods, alcohol and large meals. This not only prevent the condition but will help maintain a healthy weight. To lose those extra pounds, take Phenocal – a safe and natural supplement for weight loss that will boost your metabolism, suppress appetite, increase energy levels and help you lose unwanted weight. Check out http://www.phenocal.com for details.
About the Author:
Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine http://www.thearticleinsiders.com.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Don’t Get Burned by Gerd
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