Ignoring Heartburn Won't Make It Go Away
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Many things can cause heartburn: a call from your child’s principal, preparing your taxes, and that three-alarm chili. But if you experience heartburn more than twice a week, it can lead to serious problems.
Hi, I’m Dr. Griffin Rodgers, bringing you Healthy Moments from the NIH. I’m the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Ignoring recurring heartburn won’t make it go away, and it could mean you have a serious condition called GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Untreated, GERD can lead to complications such as ulcers, or a condition called Barrett’s Esophagus, which can in turn lead to cancer.
Luckily, regular heartburn is treatable. See your health care provider, who may suggest lifestyle changes such avoiding certain foods and beverages, and quitting smoking.
And for more tips, visit our website at NIDDK or majic1023.com. This is Dr. Griffin Rodgers. Join me next week for more “Healthy Moments.”
Page last updated: February 23, 2011
