National GERD Awareness Week is Nov. 22-28. When You Should See a Doctor
The Californer/10105290

NORWALK, Calif. - Californer -- The week of November 22-28, 2020 is national Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Awareness Week. It comes just in time for Thanksgiving when many Americans may experience heartburn associated with overeating. However, if heartburn occurs more frequently, or is associated with additional symptoms, it may be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Coast Plaza Hospital proudly supports GERD awareness week and is pleased to offer resources and solutions to treat GERD.

An estimated 1 in every 5 American adults suffers from GERD. It is a chronic condition caused by changes in the gastroesophageal valve (GEV) that allow contents to flow from the stomach back into the esophagus. Left untreated, GERD can be a lifelong disease. It can lead to bothersome symptoms, which can vary from mild or moderate to severe depending on the individual.

• Typical symptoms: burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux) and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

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• Atypical symptoms: sensation of a lump in the throat (globus), shortness of breath / asthma, chronic dry cough, chronic sore throat, laryngitis and hoarseness, sleep disruptions, dental erosions and non-cardiac chest pain

GERD is not an acid problem – instead it is caused by an anatomical issue. The acid our stomach produces is important for digestion, killing harmful bacteria and helping with the absorption of electrolytes and other nutrients from the foods we consume. GERD occurs when the valve between the stomach and the esophagus is not working properly and fails to keep contents in the stomach from washing back up into the esophagus. Medications may offer mild to intermittent symptom control, but they do not stop or prevent reflux. Additionally, those who are or may become dependent on daily medication may develop severe complications from GERD, even if no symptoms are experienced. When left untreated, GERD can lead to other health complications including:

• Damage to the throat or esophagus
• Inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus
• Respiratory complications
• Barrett's Esophagus
• Esophageal cancer

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If you are reaching for antacids more than twice a week, it's time to see a doctor. If your current medications aren't working well enough, there are alternative endoscopic therapies like the TIF procedure for reflux that could be right for you. There are more treatment options available than ever and a GERD expert will help you select the best choice suited to your needs. To schedule an appointment with a GERD expert, call Coast Plaza Hospital's Family Practice Clinic at (562) 868-3751 ext 3031. They can discuss treatment options that may be right for you.

About Coast Plaza Hospital
Coast Plaza Hospital is a 117-acute-bed hospital that has been serving Norwalk and the surrounding areas of Southeast Los Angeles county for over 55 years. They are accredited by the Joint Commission and are licensed providers for Medicare and Medi-Cal programs, along with many HMOs, PPOs and managed care organizations. The hospital provides affordable, high-quality healthcare with consistency and compassion, and offers a wide range of services, including 24-hour adult and pediatric Emergency Department services, complete intensive care, critical care and progressive care services. For more information visit www.coastplazahospital.com.