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COPYRIGHT 2003 International Medical News Group
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is more than the occasional heartburn that causes discomfort after a rich meal. The condition causes frequent, severe heartburn and acid regurgitation. It often interferes with sleep, destroys the pleasure of eating, and can be associated with all kinds of seemingly unrelated symptoms, from erosion of dental enamel to chest pain and asthma.
In its most serious form, affecting about 10% of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients, the constant reflux of acid can cause Barrett's esophagus, a metaplastic change of the esophageal lining that is associated with the development of esophageal cancer.
Diagnosis. GERD is a constellation of symptoms...
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