Have you ever wondered if your heartburn is actually GERD or something worse? GERD — Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease — is considered a pre-cancerous condition that, in addition to discomfort, can lead to problems you’d like to avoid, such as cancer or Barrett’s esophagus.

This is an important topic to understand, especially if you or a loved one are experiencing potential GERD symptoms. And what are the symptoms? Yash Mittal, MD, a Board Certified Gastroenterologist at the Eisenhower Gastroenterology Specialty Clinic explains: “Gastroesophageal reflux disease – or called GERD – is basically when stomach contents are coming up into the esophagus. And when we think of GERD, we’re really thinking about two major symptoms. And those symptoms are heartburn, which is that burning sensation that comes up the chest because of the acid that is sitting in the esophagus. And then the other symptom is actually a regurgitation. And that’s where liquid and food is coming up into the esophagus. And patients can feel both of those symptoms, because of those stomach contents that are coming up into the esophagus.”

Dr. Yash Mittal

In this Health Insights blog audio episode – Is Your Heartburn a Sign of GERD – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease? – Dr. Mittal provides helpful information to help you understand whether you should take a step up from at-home and over-the-counter remedies and schedule an appointment to evaluate your symptoms. Topics covered in this audio blog post include:

• Who’s at risk for GERD?
• Hiatal hernias
• What causes GERD?
• The role of diet
• Barrett’s esophagus
• PPI therapy
• Diagnostic testing approaches

Take a moment now to listen to this podcast and learn how to protect yourself and those you care about — share it with your friends and family, too. More great AUDIO information is available for you at the Eisenhower Audio Podcast Library. Do you also enjoy VIDEO? Visit the Eisenhower Video Library as well.

If you or a loved one are experiencing GERD symptoms, consider taking the next step and calling 760-773-2882 to schedule an appointment at the Eisenhower Gastroenterology Specialty Clinic with locations in Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs to have your situation checked out.

GREAT NEWS!!!

U.S. News & World Report has released its prestigious annual hospital rankings. Eisenhower Health ranks #1 in the Inland Empire and #12 in California. Eisenhower Health was also rated High Performing in 20 types of care — the highest number of specialty recognitions earned by a hospital in the Inland Empire.

More Accreditations & Recognition