Signs, Risks, and Treatment for Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest that often occurs after you eat. It’s caused by stomach acid flowing back up into your esophagus. You may also have a sour taste in your mouth and cough.

Heartburn is very common. It affects about 1 in 5 people each week. It can occur at any age but is most common in adults ages 30 to 60.

You can usually treat heartburn with over-the-counter medicines. But if it doesn’t go away or is severe, see your doctor.

Heartburn can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What is GERD?

GERD is a chronic digestive disorder that happens when stomach acid or other stomach contents flow back up into your esophagus. This can cause heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.

GERD can also damage the esophagus, which can lead to problems such as bleeding, ulcers, and cancer.

GERD is a common problem. It affects about 1 in 10 people. It can occur at any age, but is most common in adults ages 30 to 60.

You can usually treat GERD with over-the-counter medicines. But if it doesn’t go away or is severe, see your doctor.

GERD can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem, such as cancer.

If you have heartburn or GERD, make sure to:

• Avoid foods and drinks that trigger heartburn, such as spicy foods, acidic foods, and caffeine

• Eat small meals throughout the day instead of large meals

• Avoid eating before bedtime

• Raise the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus while you sleep

• Talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter medicines, such as antacids or proton pump inhibitors, to treat heartburn or GERD.

Foods and Drinks that Cause Heartburn

There are many foods and drinks that can trigger heartburn. Spicy, acidic, and fatty foods are the most common. But caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages can also cause heartburn.

If you have heartburn, try to avoid these foods and drinks:

• Spicy foods

• Acidic foods, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, and vinegar

• Fatty foods

• Caffeine

• Alcohol

• Carbonated beverages, such as soda or beer

What Are the Symptoms of Heartburn?

The most common symptom of heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest. This feeling often occurs after you eat. You may also have a sour taste in your mouth and cough.

Other symptoms of heartburn can include:

• Pain in your throat or jaw

• Difficulty swallowing

• A hoarse voice

• A sour taste in your mouth

If you have these symptoms, call your doctor. They may be a sign of GERD.

How Is Heartburn Diagnosed?

If you have heartburn, your doctor will likely ask about your symptoms and how often they occur. They may also do a physical exam and order tests, such as an esophageal manometry or endoscopy, to diagnose heartburn.

How to Treat Heartburn

If you have heartburn or GERD, your doctor may prescribe medication to help relieve your symptoms. Medications that can be used to treat heartburn and GERD include:

• Antacids: These drugs help neutralize stomach acid. They are available over the counter and by prescription. Examples of antacids include Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox.

• H2 blockers: These drugs help reduce the amount of stomach acid produced by the stomach. They are available over the counter and by prescription. Examples of H2 blockers include Pepcid AC, Zantac, and Tagamet HB.

• Proton pump inhibitors: These drugs help reduce the amount of stomach acid produced by the stomach. They are available by prescription only. Examples of proton pump inhibitors include Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid.

If you have heartburn or GERD, it is important to see your doctor find out if you need treatment. Treatment may include over-the-counter medicines, prescription medicines, or surgery.

Left untreated, heartburn and GERD can lead to serious problems, such as:

• Barrett’s esophagus: This is a condition in which the lining of the esophagus changes, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.

• Esophageal ulcers: These are sores that develop on the lining of the esophagus.

• Esophageal stricture: This is a narrowing of the esophagus.

• Esophageal cancer: This is a rare but serious type of cancer that can occur in people with GERD.

If you have heartburn or GERD, talk to your doctor about treatment. With treatment, you can relieve your symptoms and reduce your risk of serious problems.

*I am not a doctor or have medical education, please contact your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms or have questions pertaining to your health.