(File Photo of the Allegheny Health Network Logo)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release today in Pittsburgh from Allegheny Health Network, AHN is using this week, November 23rd-29th as GERD Awareness Week to highlight that frequent heartburn could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD affects millions of Americans and it occurs when stomach acid frequently backs into the tube which connects your mouth and stomach (esophagus). That backwash can irritate your esophagus’ lining. However, sometimes symptoms like heartburn can be a sign of a condition that is more serious even though acid reflux is common. According to that same release from Allegheny Health Network, here is some more information about GERD and some tips that the Director of the AHN Esophageal Institute to both identify and manage GERD:
“It’s easy to dismiss persistent heartburn as just part of overeating, especially during the holidays. However, if you find yourself reaching for antacids more than twice a week, or if your symptoms are changing, it’s time to talk to your doctor,” said Kirsten Newhams, MD, Director of the AHN Esophageal Institute. “GERD is not just about discomfort; the chronic irritation to the esophagus can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and the formation of scar tissue. It is important to note that heartburn is not the only symptom associated with GERD. Patients can experience, difficulty swallowing, throat clearing, coughing, and regurgitation, the sensation of food or fluid moving up the esophagus. For patients with GERD, 15% will develop precancerous changes, known as Barrett’s esophagus, which increases the risk of esophageal cancer.”
If you experience any of these symptoms, visit ahn.org/quiz/gerd to take a free quiz to find out if you may be at risk for GERD.
Dr. Newhams offers key insights for managing and identifying GERD, especially as we head into the holiday season:
- Listen to Your Body: If your heartburn is frequent, severe, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss, don’t self-diagnose or rely solely on over-the-counter remedies.
- Holiday Eating Tips: While it’s a time for celebration, those prone to heartburn or GERD should be mindful of portion sizes and avoid common triggers such as heavy, greasy, or fried foods, as well as excessive caffeine or alcohol.
- Know When to Seek Help: Effective treatments are available for GERD, ranging from lifestyle modifications and medications to minimally invasive surgical procedures. The first step is to get an accurate diagnosis.
The AHN Esophageal Institute offers a comprehensive approach to GERD care, including advanced diagnostic testing, lifestyle modification guidance, medication management, and cutting-edge surgical interventions such as fundoplication and magnetic sphincter augmentation (LINX®). The Institute’s multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, surgeons, dietitians, and other specialists works collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient.
The AHN Esophageal Institute is based out of AHN West Penn Hospital and also has physicians on staff at AHN Forbes, AHN Peters Township Health + Wellness Pavilion, and Armstrong County Memorial Hospital. For more information, patients can call (412) 359-GERD (4373).