Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can have a variety of symptoms we do not typically associate with acid reflux. GERD is caused by a weakness in the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscular valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus. When functioning properly, the LES opens only to allow food and liquids to enter the stomach. However, a loose LES can allow gastric acid to backflow into the esophagus, and heartburn is only one of many symptoms.

Here are some hidden symptoms of GERD that you might not recognize as being caused by reflux:

1. Hoarse or husky voice — A deeper-sounding voice after a meal might mean that you are experiencing reflux of acid into the esophagus or throat.
2. Sore throat — GERD can also cause your throat to become sore after eating.
3. Bitter taste — A bitter or sour taste in your mouth after eating might be gastric acid from the stomach caused by GERD. In severe cases, acid reflux can cause choking.
4. Asthma — Wheezing and coughing can be caused by stomach acid reaching the lungs.
5. Chest pain — Heartburn or chest pain can be due to repeated acid reflux.
6. Nausea — Feeling queasy after a meal could also point to reflux.
7. Excessive saliva — Extra saliva may be produced to wash acid from the esophagus.
8. Bad breath — The acidity of reflux can cause bad breath.
9. Difficulty swallowing — A feeling of a lump in the throat that won’t go away could indicate inflammation of esophageal tissue and strictures.
10. Ear ache — Ear aches and ear infections are not uncommon for GERD sufferers.

If you have several of the symptoms above, make an appointment with a gastroenterologist. Undiagnosed GERD can cause long-term complications that can lead to serious health problems so make an appointment today. 

Most of these organisms reside in the gut, and help process food into energy, absorb nutrients, strengthen immunity and more. Here are just some of the things probiotics can do for your gut health:

• Ease gas and bloating
• Reduce abdominal pain or cramping
• Support regular bowel movements
• Manufacture essential vitamins such as vitamin K
• Prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria

Beyond these benefits, studies have shown that certain strains of probiotics may even reduce the risk of developing certain diseases, ease the symptoms of some diseases, alleviate allergy symptoms and reduce negative effects of lactose intolerance. Other research has suggested that probiotics can help with depression and promote mental health.

Foods High in Probiotics

While it is not necessary for you to do anything to maintain probiotics in your gut, there are things you can do to support this healthy system. One is to consume fermented foods that are high in probiotics. Here are some to try:

• Yogurt or Kefir. Most yogurt is high in probiotics. However, yogurt that has been heat treated after fermentation does not contain any live beneficial probiotics. Check the label before purchasing yogurt and make sure it says that the contents contain “live and active cultures” like Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.
• Sauerkraut. When cabbage is fermented, it becomes sauerkraut, a food dense in probiotics and other nutrients. Try including it as a regular side dish at the dinner table.
• Kimchi. Kimchi, a traditional Korean food, is another cabbage-based fermented food high in probiotics. Unlike sauerkraut, kimchi can be very spicy, although there are many variations on the basic recipe. Because of this, you may want to try several different kinds of kimchi to find one you like best.
• Miso Soup. Miso soup, a traditional Japanese food, is made from fermented beans, rye, rice or barley. It is very easy to make: just purchase miso paste, then dissolve a spoonful in hot water. It has a mild, salty flavor.
• Pickles. Pickles are fermented cucumbers. Most contain probiotics, however, like yogurt, some may have been heat-treated and lost their probiotic properties, so check the label before purchasing.
• Kombucha. Kombucha is a type of fermented tea high in probiotics that has become popular in recent years. Today, you can buy kombucha at most grocery stores. It comes in a variety of flavors and is low in calories too.
• Soy Milk. If you are lactose-intolerant, but want to consume more probiotics, try soy milk. Check the label before you buy, though, to make sure it contains live and active cultures.

If you have tried the foods on the list and are having a hard time finding ones you like, you can still add probiotics to your diet by taking probiotic supplements. However, before you do, make sure to check with your doctor before taking any type of vitamin or supplement.

Sugar Aids Production of Bad Bacteria

One final tip for supporting the probiotic system in your gut: eat less refined sugar. In addition to the many negative consequences of eating refined sugar — such as greater risk of obesity — it also promotes the growth of bad bacteria and upsets your gut flora balance.

Are you taking medicine three or more times a week for heartburn? If so, read the warning label. Not all heartburn medicines are meant to be used that often, and it could be harming your health. 

Antacid Tablets

Antacids like Tums and Rolaids contain calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide to help neutralize the acid in your stomach. They can provide fast, short-term relief and do not have lasting harmful side effects if taken as directed. Follow dosage recommendations though because high levels of calcium carbonate in the body can cause constipation, nausea, mood changes or even heart rate changes. But acid neutralizers are considered safe when taken properly and are often used for calcium supplementation as well as heartburn relief.

H-2 Blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

H-2 blockers like Zantac, Tagamet and Pepcid reduce the production of stomach acid. They are effective in treating peptic ulcers and reflux in people who have heartburn a few times per month but are not intended for everyday use. Some research suggests that overuse of H-2 blockers can cause headaches, constipation and nausea, but their long-term use has not been extensively studied.

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Prevacid, Prilosec or Nexium are stronger than H-2 blockers and work by blocking acid-producing cells in the lining of the stomach. They provide lasting relief from symptoms of GERD and are available without a prescription.

While PPIs are helpful in managing severe heartburn, they are not recommended for more than a 14-day treatment. Recent studies show that overuse of PPIs can be harmful to your health and should not be used long-term. Side effects of proton pump inhibitors include infections, bone fractures and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Research has even connecting extended PPI drug use to increased risk of stomach cancer.

Are you trying to manage your heartburn symptoms on your own? It might be time to call a gastroenterologist. Your doctor can diagnose your symptoms and help you begin an effective treatment plan. There also may be some lifestyle changes and diet modifications that can jump-start the healing process, so make an appointment today.

Actually, each term has a distinct meaning. Here is how they are different:

Heartburn

Heartburn is not a medical condition, but a symptom. It describes the mild to severe burning pain felt in the chest or throat when acid from the stomach seeps up into the esophagus. Heartburn pain can feel dull, sharp or tight, and it often moves up to the throat. Some people describe the pain as a feeling that something is lodged behind the breastbone.

Heartburn has nothing to do with your heart, but it can be mistaken for a heart attack because of the location of the pain. Over 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least monthly, and it usually occurs after a meal.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus due to a weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When functioning properly, the LES tightens to close the passage between the stomach and esophagus. If the muscle is weak or fails to tighten properly, gastric acid and digested food can back up into the esophagus.

Common symptoms of acid reflux may include cough, sore throat, sour taste in the mouth, and burning in the chest and throat.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is an acronym for gastroesophageal reflux disease. When acid reflux occurs more than twice per week, it can be diagnosed as GERD. Prolonged exposure to gastric acid creates inflammation and increases risk for esophageal tissue damage which can lead to cancer.

Symptoms of GERD can include heartburn, regurgitation, bad breath, damage to tooth enamel, dry cough, and difficulty swallowing.

If you are experiencing acid reflux on a regular basis, it is time to see a gastroenterologist (a physician with specialized training in diseases of the digestive tract). Antacids and H-2 blockers might offer temporary relief, and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) can reduce levels of stomach acid, but they should only be used for a 14-day treatment (source: AARP).

Occasionally, everyone experiences acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER). When you experience reflux more than twice per week, you might actually have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Anatomy of GERD

GERD is a condition in which gastric acid persistently and regularly backflows into the esophagus due to a malfunctioning valve. When you swallow, a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach, and then it closes again. Sometimes, this muscle relaxes or weakens and allows stomach acid and digested food to move upwards.

Acid in the esophagus can cause symptoms including:

• Burning in chest
• Burning in throat
• Chest pain
• Chronic cough
• Sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Pain lying down

Dangers of Untreated GERD

Chronic, untreated GERD can result in damage of the esophageal lining and lead to conditions like:

• Reflux esophagitis – Exposure to stomach acid initiates inflammation that damages the lining of the esophagus. This often causes chest pain and difficulty swallowing.  
• Silent reflux – Stomach acid can back up into the throat, larynx or even nasal passage and cause inflammation.
• Barrett’s esophagus – As the esophagus tries to heal, the cells may change in order to adapt and protect the esophagus. These changes can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Talk to a Gastroenterologist

If you have come to accept heartburn as a way of life, it is time to reconsider. Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist – a physician who specializes in treating and managing digestive conditions – and begin your journey toward digestive health today.

Symptoms of heartburn and heart attack can mimic each other because the pain comes from a similar location. The esophagus and heart are in close proximity, so it is understandable that you might not be certain about what is causing your pain.

Heartburn Versus Heart Attack:

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, so let’s learn more about the risk factors for colon cancer.

Colon Cancer Risk Factors Beyond Our Control

There are several risk factors for colon cancer that you cannot change, but it is important to be aware of them so you can discuss them with your doctor.

• Age — Nine out of ten new cases of colon cancer develop in individuals over the age of 50.
• Personal or Family History of Colon Cancer or Colon Polyps — If you or a first-degree relative has ever had colon cancer or an adenoma (colon polyp), you are more likely to develop cancer of the colon or rectum.
• History of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) — Having IBD, including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, puts you at higher risk, especially if it goes untreated.
• Having an Inherited Syndrome — The most common inherited syndromes associated with colon cancers are Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer or HNPCC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
• Racial and Ethnic Background — African Americans have the highest colon cancer incidence and mortality rates in the United States.
• Type II Diabetes — Colon cancer and type II diabetes share some similar risk factors like inactivity and obesity.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors We CAN Control

Several risk factors for colon cancer can be limited or eliminated when you have the proper support.

• Obesity or Being Overweight — If you struggle with weight, especially weight around your waistline, you are at higher risk for colon cancer. Talk to your doctor for help managing your weight.
• Sedentary Lifestyle — Increasing your physical activity can lower your risk for colon cancer, even just walking each day.
• Diet — Eating red meat, processed meats and high-fat foods put you at higher risk for colon disease. Replace high-fat and processed foods with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Smoking — When you smoke, you increase your risk for colon cancer as well as lung cancer. Quitting smoking will provide immediate health benefits.
• Heavy Alcohol Use — Limit your alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day if you are male and no more than one drink per day if you are female (source: American Cancer Society).

You can’t control all risk factors for colon cancer, but you can control your habits. Changing daily choices regarding diet, smoking, drinking and activity level could make all the difference in whether you develop the disease. Talk to a gastroenterologist about more healthy living tips to keep you cancer-free. Limiting your risk factors can help you maximize your health and longevity!

A colonoscopy offers the best protection against colon cancer, the third-leading cause of cancer death. Studies suggest that colonoscopies reduce deaths from colorectal cancer by 60 to 70 percent (source: National Cancer Institute).

Colonoscopy is the Most Comprehensive Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer begins as an adenoma (abnormal growth) in the colon or rectum called a polyp. During a colonoscopy, a doctor can detect and remove polyps before they develop into cancer.

Other colon cancer screenings like fecal occult blood tests or stool DNA tests can detect the presence of blood or DNA biomarkers in the stool, but they cannot be used to confirm a diagnosis of colon cancer. A colonoscopy is the only screening that includes a visual exam of the entire colon and rectum. Using a colonoscope, a gastroenterologist can view the colon on a screen and remove any developing polyps.

The rate for detecting these polyps is the adenoma detection rate (ADR), and you should be looking for a physician with an ADR of at least 15 percent in women and 25 percent in men.

Colonoscopies Detect Cancer Earlier than any Other Test

Colonoscopies are essential because colon cancer is highly treatable when it is found early. In fact, colon cancer is over 90 percent treatable in the early stages. When colon cancer reaches an advanced stage, it is no longer contained in the colon and has metastasized to other organs.

People rarely experience symptoms in early stage colon cancer, so you cannot rely on physical sensations. At diagnosis, many patients claim to feel fine and say that there was nothing to alert them that they had colon cancer. Warning signs like abdominal pain, bloody stool, rectal bleeding and weight loss are often indicators of advanced stage colon cancer, which is challenging to treat.

Call a Gastroenterologist

If you are 50 or older, talk to your doctor about getting a colonoscopy. If you are African American, you should get screened beginning at age 45. Other risk factors, like family history, could also lower your screening age, so make an appointment so you can get screened appropriately.   

Because colorectal cancer prevention is so important, in 2000, advocates for colorectal cancer awareness joined together and designated March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The goal was to raise awareness about the disease, to motivate people to talk about colorectal cancer prevention and to encourage screening.

This is a particularly important year for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: that is because it is the culmination of the “80% by 2018” initiative. Through “80% by 2018,” hundreds of organizations across the nation joined together and pledged to do their part to help eliminate colorectal cancer as a major public health issue. Their shared goal is to impact 80 percent of the eligible U.S. population so they get screened for colorectal cancer by 2018.

Pledge to Talk About Colorectal Cancer

This year, why not support the “80% by 2018” initiative on your own? Talk about colorectal cancer prevention with your family, friends and co-workers. Here are some facts you can share as part of your discussion:

• Colorectal cancer is the nation’s second leading cause of cancer death for both men and women
• It is highly preventable if you get screened regularly beginning at age 50
• Over 90 percent of those who develop colorectal cancer are over age 50
• You could have colorectal cancer and not know it, therefore, screening by a doctor is important
• Colon cancer symptoms include blood in the stool, cramping or stomach aches that persist, and unexplained weight loss

Some People Are at Higher Risk

You should also be aware that certain people are at higher risk for the disease and make a special effort to talk to these individuals about colorectal cancer prevention. Risk factors include:

• Having a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Having Crohn’s disease or inflammatory bowel disease
• Not getting enough exercise
• Not eating a healthy diet
• Using alcohol or tobacco
• Being overweight or obese

About Preventive Screening with Colonoscopy

According to current colon cancer screening guidelines, men and women of normal risk should have a colonoscopy at age 50 and every 10 years thereafter. During the colonoscopy, a physician will view the length of the colon and rectum through a colonoscope to look for any abnormal growths.

The doctor can usually remove any polyps found during the colonoscopy, so the patient does not need to undergo another procedure. Although most growths found in the colon are benign polyps, some can become cancerous, so the removed tissue is sent to a lab for testing.

Learn More

To learn more about National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, visit www.ccalliance.org/awareness-month.