---

For most people, heartburn is just a temporary inconvenience that can be cured with a couple of antacids. But for some, heartburn is a disease process that alters their life. Avoiding meals after four or five o'clock in the evening, modifying diets, taking antacids all day and even sleeping upright in a chair at night are just some of the ways chronic heartburn sufferers seek relief from the burning reflux.

FACTS
Recent studies have proven that curing chronic heartburn means more than just helping you eat your favorite foods and sleep through the night again. Curing the disease could save your life. Studies have shown that chronic heartburn, also known s gastroesophageal reflux disease, when left untreated, can lead to cancer of the esophagus.

SYMPTOMS
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, please call the Rocky Mount Heartburn Treatment Center to set up an appointment with our clinical care coordinator:

• A painful burning sensation in the upper chest or abdomen
• Difficulty sleeping after eating
• Burning in your chest
• Regurgitation
• Chronic hoarseness, cough and/or sore throat
• Unexplained chest pain