Heartburn is a hassle, with burning, pain, and discomfort. But the condition is also associated with several complications, one of them life-threatening, so it’s important to seek medical treatment for your symptoms. Chronic heartburn can cause sleep problems and chronic cough. It may even lead to asthma. But the most serious condition associated with heartburn is esophageal cancer, a cancer that has a high fatality rate and is growing more common in this country. As stomach acid and other substances flow back into the esophagus in repeated heartburn episodes, the esophagus suffers damaging inflammation and irritation that can change its composition.

Diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) requires an examination called “upper endoscopy.” MidState Medical Center has a state-of-the art Digestive Health Center and physicians who specialize in gastroenterology.

Do you have a MidState doctor? For information, call 1-866-MMC-5678.