100 Q&A About Gastro-Esophogeal Reflux Disease » (1st Edition)

More than 25 million Americans suffer from gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Whether you've recently been diagnosed with GERD, want to gain a better understanding of GERD, or know someone who suffers from this condition, this book offers help. The only text to provide both the patient's and physician's perspectives, this invaluable resource offers readers authoritative, practical answers to 100 of the most common questions asked about GERD.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Willem J.S de Villiers, MD, PhD(University of Kentucky College of Medicine)
Description:This book, aimed at lay people and patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is authored by two experts from the Lahey Clinic and presents authoritative information in a nonthreatening, user-friendly manner.
Purpose:GERD is the most common reason patients are referred for upper endoscopy. It affects one-third of Americans with some regularity and this book is aimed at patients and the public to dispel some of the myths regarding this disease. It provides down-to-earth information about causes and current treatment of heartburn. These are certainly worthy objectives and the authors succeed admirably in making the information understandable and palatable.
Audience:The book is aimed at GERD patients and their families.
Features:Different sections address definitions and facts; symptoms and atypical manifestations of GERD; hiatal hernias, the lower esophageal sphincter, and reflux; lifestyle, medications, diet and GERD; complications of GERD; doctor's evaluation; testing for GERD, H. pylori, GERD, and peptic ulcer disease; medications for GERD; and endoscopic and surgical options for GERD. Current information is provided in a common sense manner on the relationship between hiatal hernia and GERD, lifestyle issues, the impact of diet modification, and the importance of the identification of Barrett's esophagus as a precursor to esophageal cancer. The pharmacologic information as well as insights into surgical and endoscopic techniques are superb. The illustrations are also appropriate and informative. I particularly appreciated the comments by a GERD patient on his particular experience.
Assessment:This is a lovely informative addition to the 100 Questions and Answers series. GERD patients and families will find a great deal of useful information. Frankly, I can think of no other questions that these patients have asked me over the years. I will definitely refer my patients to this Lahey Clinic guide.