GERD Awareness Week

Gerd Awareness Ribbon

Last year alone, Capital Digestive Care treated more than 14,000 patients with symptoms of GERD and we are committed to raising awareness for this condition. Our goal is to educate patients about the fact that frequent heartburn can be a sign of reflux disease and that early detection is the key to preventing the disease from escalating into a more serious condition. GERD is a condition in which food or liquid in the stomach leak backwards into the esophagus, irritating the esophagus and causing heartburn and other symptoms. Over time, it can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition where the makeup of the tissue that lines the lower esophagus changes and if not detected or treated, can eventually develop into esophageal cancer.

It is estimated that GERD affects approximately 20% of the U.S. population. While medication may be necessary to treat the symptoms of GERD, many patients find that following the acid reflux, heartburn and GERD diet is effective controlling symptoms and reducing the need for medication. Patients suffering from frequent heartburn (occurring 2 or more times per week) should see a gastroenterologist to discuss their individual condition and risk.”