Dr. Kastello to appear

Local general surgeon Dr. Andrew Kastello will be featured on the Monday, December 17 episode of News Channel 5's Medical Mondays program from 7:00pm to 8:00pm on NewsChannel 5+. Medical Mondays is a live, call-in program showcasing some of the latest medical breakthroughs. The show also allows viewers to get answers to their medical questions from Middle Tennessee doctors. Medical Mondays is hosted by News Channel 5's Kristin Priesol and is sponsored by Saint Thomas Health. NewsChannel 5+ is channel 150 on Charter, channel 50 on BenLomand TV and DTC and also channel 250 on Comcast.

Dr. Kastello is affiliated with the McMinnville-based practice Cumberland Plateau General Surgery. In addition to Warren County, he also practices in Cannon County and serves as a member of the medical staff at River Park Hospital and Stones River Hospital. Dr. Kastello attended medical school at Saint George's University of Medicine and completed his residency at Saint Joseph Mercy Oakland in Pontiac, Michigan

During Monday's episode, Dr. Kastello will focus on the featured topic of the week, which is Treatment Advances for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD, also known as acid reflux, is a condition in which the stomach contents (food or liquid) leak backwards from the stomach into the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach). This action can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. The American Gastroenterological Association estimates that 33 percent of people in the United States have acid reflux disease. Dr. Kastello will discuss the causes and symptoms of GERD, as well as ways to prevent and treat the problem.

Some of the symptoms of GERD are:

- Burning sensation in the chest/throat

- Difficulty swallowing

- Dry cough

- Hoarseness or sore throat

- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid

- Sensation of a lump in the throat

For some individuals, simple lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, avoiding certain foods and changing up your bedtime routine, may help treat the symptoms of GERD. In addition to lifestyle changes, other treatment options including medication and surgical procedures can treat the symptoms and causes of GERD. Dr. Kastello encourages anyone who is experiencing frequent or severe GERD symptoms to make an appointment with a doctor to determine the best options for treatment.

Encore broadcasts of Monday's program will be at 10:00pm on Monday, Tuesday at 6:00am and 11:00am, Friday at 6:00am and Sunday at 6:00pm and 11:00pm. The broadcast can also be viewed online by visiting www.WTVF.com and clicking on the "Health" section.

River Park Hospital is a part of the Capella-Saint Thomas system of hospitals, a joint venture between Capella Healthcare and Saint Thomas Health, along with sister hospitals DeKalb Community Hospital, Highlands Medical Center in Sparta and Stones River Hospital in McMinnville.