Ask the Doc: Can Heartburn Cause GERD? Categories: Diet/Nutrition, Digestive Health, Men's Health, Senior Health, Women's Health Jul 19, 2016 Contributor: James J. Lee, MD Q: Can heartburn cause GERD? A: No. Heartburn cannot cause GERD. Heartburn itself is not a condition, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. GERD, which stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions among heartburn sufferers. GERD is a chronic digestive disease in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus (food pipe), and over time can damage the lining of the esophagus. If left untreated, GERD can lead to complications such as narrowing of the esophagus, esophageal ulcers and Barrett’s esophagus (a pre-cancerous condition). Fortunately, there are different treatment options available for GERD, including lifestyle changes, over-the-counter and prescription medications, and surgery for severe cases. If you experience heartburn regularly, you should let your doctor know. If you need a referral to a St. Joseph Hospital gastroenterologist, call the Heartburn Center referral line at (844) 633-GERD (4363). James J. Lee, MD Gastroenterology, St. Joseph Hospital, Orange Previous Next Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a> comments powered by Disqus People Are Reading The Doctor's Advice Most Often Ignored by Patients How Much Juice Should Your Child Drink? 5 Fizzy Summer Coolers How to Sidestep Lyme Disease No One Dies Alone What You Need to Know About Meningitis 5 Astonishing Protein Powerhouses Fast and Accurate Diagnosis Saves Maxine Maples' Life A Successful Life Changer: A Caregiver Transforms Her Health for Herself and Her Son
Ask the Doc: Can Heartburn Cause GERD? Categories: Diet/Nutrition, Digestive Health, Men's Health, Senior Health, Women's Health Jul 19, 2016 Contributor: James J. Lee, MD Q: Can heartburn cause GERD? A: No. Heartburn cannot cause GERD. Heartburn itself is not a condition, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. GERD, which stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions among heartburn sufferers. GERD is a chronic digestive disease in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus (food pipe), and over time can damage the lining of the esophagus. If left untreated, GERD can lead to complications such as narrowing of the esophagus, esophageal ulcers and Barrett’s esophagus (a pre-cancerous condition). Fortunately, there are different treatment options available for GERD, including lifestyle changes, over-the-counter and prescription medications, and surgery for severe cases. If you experience heartburn regularly, you should let your doctor know. If you need a referral to a St. Joseph Hospital gastroenterologist, call the Heartburn Center referral line at (844) 633-GERD (4363). James J. Lee, MD Gastroenterology, St. Joseph Hospital, Orange Previous Next