Heartburn is a very common problem – most people have experienced this at some time in their life. It tends to happen after eating, when you’re lying down, or at night. And for many, it is a weekly or even daily occurrence.
Having heartburn regularly is problematic due to the long-term effects. It’s ok to suffer from heartburn once in a while, but if it has become a part of your life, it’s time to do something about it before it causes problems.
Acid reflux happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve that connects your esophagus to your stomach, relaxes and allows stomach acid to leak into the esophagus. It causes that familiar burning sensation and chest pain known as heartburn.
Acid reflux that occurs more than twice a week can cause damage to your esophagus and needs to be treated with a doctor’s help. When acid reflux causes damage to the esophagus, it becomes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Over time, unmanaged GERD can cause changes to the lining of the esophagus making it red and thickened. This is called Barrett’s esophagus.
Barrett’s esophagus increases your risk for esophageal cancer. Not everyone with GERD will develop Barrett’s esophagus, and people with Barret’s may not develop cancer. Managing your acid reflux can lower your chances of both.
The main symptom of heartburn is the sensation of burning in your chest that might last for a few minutes or as long as a few hours. It usually happens after eating and can be worse at night.
Other possible symptoms include:
Certain conditions and lifestyle factors may make you more likely to have frequent heartburn, like:
Occasional heartburn can usually be treated with over-the-counter medications, but when it’s frequent, severe, or affecting your health, it’s important to see a doctor. Leaving frequent heartburn untreated can lead to more serious health conditions. Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following:
Heartburn is not actually a medical diagnosis – it’s what we call the symptom of acid leaking into the esophagus. When heartburn happens regularly, it may be diagnosed as GERD.
Your doctor might recommend testing to determine if your heartburn is caused by GERD, including:
X-ray – You may need to drink a special liquid that coats the lining of your digestive tract first to make the shape of your esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine more visible.
Endoscopy – Your doctor may insert a thin tube with a camera down your throat to view inside your esophagus and stomach. Small tissue samples can be taken at the same time if needed.
Ambulatory acid probe tests – This test involves placing an acid monitor in your esophagus to record when you have acid reflux and how long it lasts.
Esophageal motility testing – This test measures the movement and pressure in your esophagus.
Over-the-counter medications that reduce or neutralize stomach acid are usually the first treatment for heartburn. If they don’t help, or if you need to take them too often, your doctor may recommend prescription medications. Common over-the-counter medications include:
Antacids – Tums, Mylanta, and Maalox are all antacids. These help neutralize stomach acid, providing fast relief. They can ease the burning feeling, but they can’t heal the damage caused by acid reflux.
H2-blockers – These reduce stomach acid to provide longer-lasting relief but aren’t as fast-acting as antacids. Famotidine (Pepcid) and cimetidine (Tagamet HB) are common H2 blockers.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – These are not fast-acting, but they reduce stomach acid and help heal the esophageal tissue. Common PPIs are omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), esomeprazole (Nexium), and lansoprazole (Prevacid).
Sometimes, you can make changes to your diet or lifestyle that can help you prevent mild heartburn. However, if your symptoms are severe, don’t wait to call your doctor.
For occasional mild heartburn:
For some people, over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes are all they need to stop their heartburn. But for those that may have GERD, those things may not be enough. For them, seeing a doctor is the best step to getting the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Don’t suffer from uncomfortable heartburn any longer – schedule an appointment today!
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