Maria Parham Opens The Heartburn Treatment Center
11/16/2010
Heartburn. Most of us don't think about it until we eat that loaded sub or the latest mega-burger from the local fast food joint. Downing a couple of antacids will usually cure the problem until the next over-indulgence. However, heartburn is frequently a miserable, life-altering condition causing severe symptoms, sleep disturbance and even decrease work productivity. In recent years there have been dramatic advances in our understanding of heartburn as well as the development of new diagnostics and therapies. The Heartburn Treatment Center at Maria Parham Medical Center is being developed to make all of these advances available to heartburn sufferers.
Actually, heartburn is the most common symptom of a disease called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Other symptoms include regurgitation, chronic cough, hoarseness, and chest pain.
GERD is caused when the valve between the stomach and the esophagus malfunctions. This allows stomach contents containing acid to leak back into the esophagus causing irritation. Over 30 percent of the population suffers to some degree with this ailment its symptoms treated quite effectively with over-the-counter medications, or prescription drugs. However, specific diagnostic testing is still required for many.
However, GERD is a chronic progressive disease with symptoms becoming more severe over time. It is a life time condition, and treatments must be selected with this in mind. Importantly, lost standing GERD is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer of the esophagus. This new knowledge as well as development of new diagnostics and treatments has provided the opportunity for all sufferers to obtain relief. The average patient will no longer have to navigate the confusing "medical maze" trying to decide who to call, which physician to see and waiting weeks for appointments. The Heartburn Treatment Center at Maria Parham, provides easy access for patients and referring physicians. the as well as easy access, information, convenience and support.
The Heartburn Treatment Center at Maria Parham Medical Center works in collaboration with Legato Medical Systems. Their proven program has been utilized in the development of more than 30 Heartburn Treatment Centers nationally.