Product Description

Nearly everyone has experienced heartburn, the sensation of burning discomfort in the chest, often brought on by eating a large meal. In fact, heartburn is the most common gastroesophageal disorder in the United States -- more than seven in ten adult Americans suffer from heartburn each month. Few people, however, realize that heartburn is really just one symptom of the disorder known as acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid repeatedly washes up into the esophagus, or remains in the esophagus too long.

Most people experience GERD as a cluster of simple symptoms -- belching, chest pain, and indigestion. Others suffer painful or difficult swallowing, asthma, chronic cough, and hoarseness, symptoms that can indicate a more serious disorder or lead to such complications as bleeding, esophageal stricture, and esophageal cancer. Some people, however, experience no symptoms -- and they run an especially high risk of developing complications.

Healing Heartburn seeks to educate people about GERD's symptoms and the range of available treatments and also to help people take charge of their lives by doing something about their own acid reflux disease. Authors Dr. Lawrence J. Cheskin and Dr. Brian E. Lacy cover diagnostic tests, a step-by-step approach to treatment, the effectiveness of medications, complications and how to avoid them, and special considerations for pregnant women and for children. Illustrations, questionnaires, patient vignettes, answers to commonly asked questions, and a list of additional resources round out this comprehensive patient guide.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #902948 in Books
• Published on: 2002-03-11
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .69 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 210 pages

From Booklist
Cheskin and Lacy provide useful and informative guidance to a problem widespread in the U.S. today. Indeed, heartburn seems to have reached almost epidemic proportions, judging from the plethora of TV and radio advertisements for nostrums against it. Cheskin and Lacy describe the anatomy of the area affected by heartburn and show how various types and degrees of it arise. They explode several myths, among them that acid isn't the only chemical that causes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); that sufferers don't produce more stomach acid than their nonsuffering friends; and that spicy foods won't provoke GERD. As for interesting truths, they tell us that many have GERD without symptoms and that there is an interesting relationship between GERD and asthma. They describe methods of diagnosis, medical and surgical treatments, possible complications, and changes in lifestyle to deal with heartburn; and they discuss categories of persons especially susceptible to heartburn, such as pregnant women, and research now in the pipeline. William Beatty
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
Cheskin and Lacy provide useful and informative guidance to a problem widespread in the U.S. today... They explode several myths, among them that acid isn't the only chemical that causes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); that sufferers don't produce more stomach acid than their nonsuffering friends; and that spicy foods won't provoke GERD. As for interesting truths, they tell us that many have GERD without symptoms and that there is an interesting relationship between GERD and asthma. Booklist [ Healing Heartburn] distinguishes itself by appealing to a lay audience without insulting the clinician... a welcome addition to those interested in the prevalent disorder of GERD. -- Joseph Boullata Nutrition in Clinical Practice Anyone who has popped an antacid after a fiery bowl of chili... Should welcome [this book]. -- John Langone New York Times A well-written book and an invaluable resource for patients with GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). -- Sanjib P. Mohanty, M.D. and Douglas Morgan, M.D., M.P.H. Gastroenterology 2003

Book Info
Baltimore, MD. Consumer text explains the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and the range of available treatments. Describes diagnostic tests, the step-by-step approach to treatment, complications and how to avoid them, and special considerations for pregnant women and children. Format is large print version. Softcover.