Reader\'s Digest Australia - 06.2019

46 | June• 2019

WHEN MOTORING JOURNALIST MARKUS STIERwas in his

20s, he started experiencing burning pain in his chest about

twice a month. He suffered for years without seeking med-

ical advice. A girlfriend who worked in a pharmacy recom-

mended antacids, and although they helped somewhat, Stier

was initially doubtful that she’d pinpointed his problem.

“She suspected it was the stomach, which sounded weird

to me, because the pain always came from higher up,” says

Stier, now 51. “Sometimes the cramps were so extreme that

I had the feeling my chest would implode.”

About 15 years ago, Stier finally saw a doctor. He had ILLUSTRATIONS: GREG MABLY

BY LISA FIELDS

The

Burning

Question

Is that searing pain

just s imple indigestion

or a serious condition?

H E ALTH