Overview

Nearly everyone has experienced heartburn, the sensation of burning discomfort in the chest, often brought on by eating a large meal. In fact, heartburn is the most common gastroesophageal disorder in the United States - more than seven in ten adult Americans suffer from heartburn each month. Few people, however, realize that heartburn is really just one symptom of the disorder known as acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid repeatedly washes up into the oesophagus, or remains in the oesophagus too long. Most people experience GERD as a cluster of simple symptoms -belching, chest pain and indigestion. Others suffer painful or difficult swallowing, asthma, chronic cough and hoarseness, symptoms that can indicate a more serious disorder or lead to such complications as bleeding, oesophageal stricture, and oesophageal cancer. Some people, however, experience no symptoms - and they run an especially high risk of developing complications. This handbook seeks to educate people about GERD's symptoms and the range of available treatments and is designed to help people take charge of their lives by doing something about their own acid reflux disease. Authors Dr Lawrence J. Cheskin and Dr Brian E. Lacy cover diagnostic tests, a step-by-step approach to treatment, the effectiveness of medications, complications and how to avoid them, and special considerations for pregnant women and for children. Illustrations, questionnaires, patient vignettes, answers to commonly-asked questions, and a list of additional resources complete this comprehensive patient guide.

Full Product Details

9780801871313

Table of Contents

Reviews

<p> Cheskin and Lacy provide useful and informative guidance to a problem widespread in the U.S. today... They explode several myths, among them that acid isn't the only chemical that causes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); that sufferers don't produce more stomach acid than their nonsuffering friends; and that spicy foods won't provoke GERD. As for interesting truths, they tell us that many have GERD without symptoms and that there is an interesting relationship between GERD and asthma. -- Booklist

<p>[Healing Heartburn] distinguishes itself by appealing to a lay audience without insulting the clinician... a welcome addition to those interested in the prevalent disorder of GERD.--Joseph Boullata Nutrition in Clinical Practice

Author Information

Lawrence J. Cheskin, M.D. is Associate Professor of Medicine and Chief in the Division of Digestive Diseases at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. He is the author of Losing Weight for Good, also available from Johns Hopkins.Brian E. Lacy, M.D., Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Digestive Diseases at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.

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