1. Heartburn: Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Slideshow Pictures
2. Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
3. Take the GERD Quiz

Medical Author:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Medical Editor:

Bhupinder Anand, MD

Most cases of heartburn are treated effectively with lifestyle modifications, antacids, or prescription drugs. However, relapse is common when treatment is stopped. Serious complications, such as bleeding or difficulty swallowing, are rare. Other possible problems caused by acid back-up include inflammation of the throat, voice box, and airways. If left untreated for years, chronic heartburn has been said to lead to cancer of the esophagus.

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