More Answers to Your Heartburn Questions

Sept. 25, 2006 — -- Thank you for the continued interest in Dr. Tim Johnson's "World News" series on heartburn. The following is a representative sample of the questions you posted on the "World News" message board with answers from Dr. Felice Schnoll-Sussman of the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Question: I am a 32-year-old female that suffers from acid reflux/GERD. It has been getting worse since my mid-twenties. I am now taking Aciphex daily and my symptoms have drastically reduced. Since this prescription is taking care of my problems right now, should I worry about my acid reflux getting worse and if so, should I be checking for stomach and esophagus cancer? -- alexlildemo

Answer: It is a very good sign that your current treatment is working to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux/GERD. For current and future monitoring and treatment, you should continue to follow-up with your physician.

In general, treatment for chronic GERD is necessary for two purposes: 1) to relieve symptoms of acid reflux and 2) to heal and prevent injury to the esophagus.

Since esophageal injury can be present even without symptoms, it still may be necessary for you to undergo testing, called an endoscopy, to ensure that your treatment is effective. Endoscopy will also help monitor for the development of a pre-cancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus, which can sometimes develop in people with chronic GERD. Bottom line: keep seeing your doctor for appropriate treatment and follow-up.

Question: Does weight loss help to prevent GERD or does it have any impact? Will I still have GERD if I loose the weight? -- mwennergren

Answer: Being overweight is a risk factor for GERD, so it is very possible that losing weight would lead to improvement in your GERD symptoms. You may also want to consider taking steps to reduce other lifestyle risk factors, such as: eliminating caffeine and spicy foods from your diet, eating smaller rather than very large meals, and eating your last meal at least 2 hours before bedtime.