Gastroesophageal Reflux and Asbestos Related Disease Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD or heartburn, occurs when there is backflow of digesting food and stomach acid into the esophagus. Almost everyone gets heartburn at some point in their lives, as it is more likely to happen as people age or with certain foods, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. It tends to occur more often when the sphincter, or muscular valve, that separates the stomach and the lower esophagus weakens. Obesity, pregnancy, hiatal hernia, and various gastrointestinal disorders can exacerbate this effect. While it is more common at night when one is lying down, it can occur during the day as well. Symptoms may include a burning sensation in the chest after eating or when lying flat, a sour taste in the mouth, trouble swallowing, or feeling a lump in the throat. GERD can also cause a chronic cough that worsens after meals or when lying flat and in some cases, hoarseness can develop. In people with underlying lung disease, this cough can be misinterpreted and as such, GERD should always be considered in these patients. GERD-related questions are a standard part of CARD's asbestos health screening protocol. Not all coughing is due to lung disease. For people with both GERD and ARD, it is important to work closely with a medical provider to determine the best treatment options. Chronic GERD can be very irritating to the lining of the esophagus and over time can cause permanent damage. This may include scarring and narrowing of the esophagus and even a condition called Barrett's esophagus, which puts the patient at higher risk of developing esophageal cancer. Difficulty swallowing can be a sign that there is scarring in the esophagus. Early diagnosis and treatment can decrease the risk of permanent damage. Diagnosis is usually made by EGD, a procedure in which a small tube and camera are inserted into the mouth and through to the stomach. Biopsy of the lining can be accomplished at the same time. Lifestyle changes such as eating a smaller evening meal at least 3 hours before bedtime, raising the head of the bed, and avoiding triggers can make a big difference. Some people need treatment with medication to decrease the amount of acid in the stomach. Only a few may require surgical intervention. If you have spent at least 6 months in Lincoln County at least 10 years ago, you may qualify for free asbestos health screening. Call CARD at (406) 293-9274 or go to our website for more information at www.libbyasbestos.org. Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application. CARD Center for Asbestos Related Disease SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH Testing available locally or from a distance. Screening provided through CDC grant # 5NU61TS000295. Ongoing care not covered. 1111 Gastroesophageal Reflux and Asbestos Related Disease Gastroesophageal reflux disease , commonly known as GERD or heartburn , occurs when there is backflow of digesting food and stomach acid into the esophagus . Almost everyone gets heartburn at some point in their lives , as it is more likely to happen as people age or with certain foods , caffeine , alcohol , and smoking . It tends to occur more often when the sphincter , or muscular valve , that separates the stomach and the lower esophagus weakens . Obesity , pregnancy , hiatal hernia , and various gastrointestinal disorders can exacerbate this effect . While it is more common at night when one is lying down , it can occur during the day as well . Symptoms may include a burning sensation in the chest after eating or when lying flat , a sour taste in the mouth , trouble swallowing , or feeling a lump in the throat . GERD can also cause a chronic cough that worsens after meals or when lying flat and in some cases , hoarseness can develop . In people with underlying lung disease , this cough can be misinterpreted and as such , GERD should always be considered in these patients . GERD - related questions are a standard part of CARD's asbestos health screening protocol . Not all coughing is due to lung disease . For people with both GERD and ARD , it is important to work closely with a medical provider to determine the best treatment options . Chronic GERD can be very irritating to the lining of the esophagus and over time can cause permanent damage . This may include scarring and narrowing of the esophagus and even a condition called Barrett's esophagus , which puts the patient at higher risk of developing esophageal cancer . Difficulty swallowing can be a sign that there is scarring in the esophagus . Early diagnosis and treatment can decrease the risk of permanent damage . Diagnosis is usually made by EGD , a procedure in which a small tube and camera are inserted into the mouth and through to the stomach . Biopsy of the lining can be accomplished at the same time . Lifestyle changes such as eating a smaller evening meal at least 3 hours before bedtime , raising the head of the bed , and avoiding triggers can make a big difference . Some people need treatment with medication to decrease the amount of acid in the stomach . Only a few may require surgical intervention . If you have spent at least 6 months in Lincoln County at least 10 years ago , you may qualify for free asbestos health screening . Call CARD at ( 406 ) 293-9274 or go to our website for more information at www.libbyasbestos.org . Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application . CARD Center for Asbestos Related Disease SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH Testing available locally or from a distance . Screening provided through CDC grant # 5NU61TS000295 . Ongoing care not covered . 1111