| Prilosec as Effective as Expensive Prescriptions, Study Finds
A widely available nonprescription drug -- Prilosec OTC -- is as effective a treatment for heartburn and acid reflux disease as prescription drugs costing almost 10 times more, according to an analysis from Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs, a public education project of Consumers Union. "Many people with heartburn and acid reflux could save $1,000 to $2,000 a year by taking an over-the-counter drug that's just as effective as high-priced prescription drugs," said Gail Shearer, director of the project. "These are dramatic savings, and illustrate why consumers should talk to their doctors about identifying effective, lower-cost medicines," Shearer added. The over-the-counter drug Prilosec costs $19 to $26 a month on average nationwide, and can be even cheaper at large discount stores.
Hidden Symptoms of GERD
Nearly half of all Americans suffer from gastroesphageal reflux disease, with the biggest symptom being heartburn. But there are other symptoms of gerd that may cause misdiagnosis. KPLC's Laila Morcos has more on the disease and what to look for. General Vascular and Thoracic Surgeon Ronald Kober is the answer to many patient's prayers. "At least 40 to 50 percent of Americans suffer from heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease," says Dr. Kober. Heartburn is the most common symptom of gerd. But about 20 percent of people with acid reflux have no symptoms of heartburn. "Frequently they're misdiagnosed as having upper respiratory tract infections, asthma and sinusitis," says Dr. Kober, which can be very dangerous. He says, "It can lead to significant complications, ulcerations and internal bleeding.")) Dr.
Women struggle with heart disease, too
In the United States, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, claiming the lives of more females than males. More women die from heart disease than breast cancer. In fact, heart attack and stroke claim more lives than the next seven leading causes of death. If you're like most women, you may not identify yourself as a candidate for heart disease. You're busy worrying about the health needs of your husband, children and, in some cases, elderly parents. It's easy to minimize the signs that something is wrong with your health. It's also easy to mistake the symptoms of a heart attack because, for women, they're often different from what we've heard about. Women are more likely to experience fatigue, indigestion, abdominal pain, shortness of breath and heart palpitations.
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