Gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD) is a chronic condition that affects nearly 20% of the U.S. population in which acid rises from the stomach into the esophagus. Symptoms of GERD vary in intensity, but frequent experiences of acid reflux are often the most telltale signs of this disease. While GERD is experienced by patients nationwide, certain cities have more risk factors than others. If you live in any of these cities, you may be at a higher risk of being diagnosed with GERD:
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1. Greenville, SC
Greenville, South Carolina is currently one of the worst cities to live in if you have been diagnosed with GERD. South Carolina has long seen a “tobacco epidemic” due to the large section of the population, both adolescents and adults, that smoke cigarettes. In Greenville, the percentage of individuals that frequently smoke is higher than the national average. Smoking can directly cause acid reflux, because tobacco relaxes the valve between the stomach and esophagus, allowing acid to rise. Most individuals who frequently smoke are more likely to develop GERD than the general population. It is advisable, therefore, for those with GERD to avoid smoking. However, living in Greenville, you might find yourself adjusting to the societal standards by smoking socially or recreationally.
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2. Louisville, KY
While Louisville is typically considered one of the best cities to live in due to the plethora of activities to do there, the city actually has one of the lowest employment and highest crime rates in the country, leading to many situations in which residents spend most of their time sitting at home. A sedentary lifestyle can directly lead to increased body weight or obesity. Obese individuals are at a higher risk of developing GERD.
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3. Memphis, TN
Healthcare in Memphis is typically expensive and difficult to obtain. Without access to healthcare, many families and individuals in Memphis treat various afflictions with home remedies that can irritate the stomach or cause acid reflux and GERD. If you live in Memphis and choose to use home remedies, always be sure to research the common side effects.
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4. Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City is known for its amazing American cuisine, consisting of onion burgers, barbeque, steak, and tacos. While these foods can be delicious, they can also lead to weight gain if consumed frequently. In fact, this city has one of the highest adult obesity rates in the nation; however, as awareness is being spread, health officials are working diligently to decrease this statistic.
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5. Knoxville, TN
While Knoxville is not considered to be a particularly bad place to live, the city does present an overall risk to GERD patients. Unfortunately, the previously-mentioned risk factors—social smoking, fat-rich diets, and high unemployment rates—are present in Tennessee as a whole.
While Americans often recognize symptoms of the disease, such as acid reflux or heartburn, GERD is not commonly recognized among the general population and is severely underdiagnosed. Signs of GERD include chest pain, heartburn, regurgitation of food, and difficulty swallowing. If you frequently experience these symptoms, speak with a doctor to seek treatment. A patient is typically diagnosed with GERD if they experience acid reflux over twice a week.
