Dear Dr. Gott: What are the symptoms of acid reflux? What foods should be avoided? Will greasy foods make it worse? Are there any over-the-counter drugs that will help it?

Dear reader> Acid reflux is a common disorder marked by periodic heartburn, indigestion, excess gas, coughing and other symptoms. Reflux occurs when digestive juices make their way “upstream” and burn the delicate and unprotected oesophageal lining.Immediate treatment with antacids (TUMS, Maalox and so forth) is usually effective. Reflux also can be treated and prevented with medicines (such as Pepcid AC, Prilosec and prescription drugs) that reduce the formation of excess gastric acid. The condition can, in some cases, be related to spicy and rich foods.

However, it is more commonly exacerbated by fatty, fried or greasy foods and alcohol. Some people may even have symptoms following consumption of dairy products. Acid reflux is annoying but is not a serious health concern — except in one situation. Repeated chronic oesophageal irritation may lead to pre-cancerous cellular changes called Barrett’s oesophagus. If appropriate studies confirm this, such patients need to be treated aggressively and have regular follow-ups to plot the course of the disorder.

I also recommend that you exercise and lose some weight, if you are overweight. Tight-fitting clothing around your abdomen can also make symptoms worse, as well as lying flat on your back or bending over at greater than a 90-degree angle. If you have this condition, you should also be tested for peptic ulcers, which can mimic reflux.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Peptic Ulcers.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title. Dear Dr. Got$> Can harmful germs from currency bills be transmitted and be of concern to an individual with a poor immune system?

Dear read<$> When you think of how many people touch paper currency, it’s a mystery why there isn’t more infection spread in this manner. To answer your question: Yes, the potential for disease is there — but, fortunately, it is very rare.

Dear Dr. G:<$> I am 60 years old, and I carry a bottle of water just about everywhere I go since I want to drink six to eight glasses of water a day. My dad told me he read somewhere that they had reversed the idea that one should drink six to eight glasses of water a day, that it is not as good for you as once had been thought. Have you heard of this?

Dear rer:<$> Yes, I have. Medical studies have identified severe electrolyte (mineral) deficiencies in people who overindulge in water consumption. These deficiencies can be life threatening in people who do not sweat out the excess fluid, which can stress the kidneys and dilute the blood.For routine activities in temperate climates, individuals can pay attention to their thirst centres and drink fluid only when thirsty.Doctor Gott is a practicing physician and the author of the new book “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet,” available at most chain and independent bookstores. directly to Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th fl., New York, NY 10016.