September Newsletter

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When should you see a doctor about GERD?

Untreated GERD symptoms can sometimes lead to more serious health conditions. If GERD is negatively impacting your day-to-day life, or if you are worried about the development of more serious conditions, you should talk to your doctor about treating your acid reflux.

Contact your doctor if you experience:

  • Chest or stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Bloody or black bowel movements
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • A chronic cough, hoarseness, or wheezing
  • Choking or lump in your throat sensations
  • Symptoms even after being prescribed and taking heartburn medication
  • More frequent heartburn symptoms
  • Difficulty swallowing or any pain

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, make an appointment to talk with one of our doctors about treatment for GERD. Treating GERD can help improve your symptoms and overall gastrointestinal health!

4 Reasons Not to Ignore Symptoms of GERD

Over 19 million Americans have chronic heartburn, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. If left untreated, patients can experience many symptoms or health complications. Patients should talk to their doctor about treatment options in order to prevent long-term health complications. Read on to learn about the major health complications that can be impacted or caused by GERD.

Acid exposure to the esophagus can result in esophagitis. When it comes to GERD, food, digestive juices, and acid may flow back into the patient’s esophagus. They may experience irritation and swelling, common symptoms of esophagitis. Harmful erosion or scarring may occur on the lining of the esophagus, and patients should make sure to talk to their doctor about treatment options to prevent further damage.

GERD can worsen asthma or pneumonia. GERD may cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Patients should talk to their doctor about lung function and about their medication options when dealing with breathing problems due to GERD, as certain medications can increase a patient’s risk of pneumonia.

GERD can lead to dental problems. If stomach acid or digestive juices enter the mouth, the patient may experience tooth decay. This is caused by a wearing away of tooth enamel. A recent study showed that 40% of GERD patients experienced tooth decay.

Patients may be at risk for esophageal cancer. In serious cases untreated GERD can lead to esophageal cancer. Risk factors for developing this type of cancer include chronic acid reflux, alcohol consumption, and a poor diet.

Patients should talk to their doctor if they are experiencing any symptoms of chronic GERD. Treating GERD can help them improve their overall health and prevent future health complications!

Office Updates

From Left: Emilianos Karagiannis, M.D., Alyssa Dunn, P.A.-C, Leon P. McLean, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., Knut Jon Roalsvig, M.D., Allison Anastasoff, A.P.R.N., Christopher N. Dainiak, M.D, Annette Tobar, M.D., Stephanie Lynch, P.A.-C, Robin E. LaBerge, P.A.-C
Our team has grown! We’re excited to expand our practice and welcome new members. Visit our website to learn more about all of our amazing physicians, as well as the other members of our team!