Hosted by Dr. Roshini Raj, Gastroenterology
When you eat a meal, your stomach processes the food you eat. It does this, in part, by using the acid it produces called hydrochloric acid. Your stomach has a special lining that protects you from it, but other organs do not. You also have a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter valve, or LES valve, which generally acts like a one way door that allows food into the stomach.
When the LES valve is not working properly, acid can travel up into the esophagus. This is called "reflux." This acid burns and irritates the esophagus, causing the pain we call heartburn.
If heartburn occurs more than a couple of times a week, or in the middle of the night, then you may have a more serious condition called GERD, or Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. If left untreated, GERD can lead to esophageal cancer.
Symptoms of GERD
The most common symptom of GERD is frequent heartburn: this is a burning pain in your chest, which can also be felt sometimes in the throat. It often occurs at night or when lying down and may be accompanied by a sour taste in your mouth.
Other symptoms include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing, wheezing, hoarseness or sore throat
- Regurgitation, or a sensation of food or liquid backing up from your stomach into your throat.
Treating Heartburn and GERD
Lifestyle Changes
- Control Your Weight.
Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing your stomach up and causing acid to back up into your esophagus.
- Eat Smaller Meals.
Overfilling the stomach increases pressure on that LES valve at the top of your stomach, forcing it open and letting acid into the esophagus.
- Loosen Your Belt.
Clothing that fits too tightly around your waist also puts pressure on your LES valve.
- Keep Track Of ‘Food Triggers.’ You might know that fried and spicy foods can trigger heartburn. But so can chocolate, peppermint, garlic, and onion. Alcohol and caffeine are also heartburn triggers. Figure out what you’re specific triggers are.
- Stay Upright After Eating. It’s a good idea to wait three to four hours after eating before going to bed.
- Raise The Head Of Your Bed. An elevation of about six to nine inches puts gravity to work for you. Use a wooden or cement block under the head of your bed, or a foam wedge under the head of your mattress. Don’t use pillows since they will only raise your head and not your midsection.
- Stop Smoking. Smoking decreases your saliva, and saliva helps protect your esophagus by neutralizing the acid. Smoking also increases your risk of esophageal cancer.
Home Remedies
A lot of people use home remedies like drinking baking soda in water, soda, or milk to help heartburn. These may give you temporary relief, but usually end up making it worse by adding more pressure to the stomach and causing acid reflux.
Medications
For occasional cases of mild heartburn, "over the counter" remedies may work best.
- Antacids. These neutralize stomach acid and can provide quick relief.
- H-2 Receptor Blockers. These medications are a stronger type of antacid. If you have GERD, they can help to reduce or eliminate symptoms, as well as heal an inflamed esophagus. H-2 receptor blockers can actually reduce the production of acid in your stomach. They are available in over-the-counter and prescription strength for GERD. They don't act as quickly as regular antacids, but they do last longer.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors. These medications can block acid production completely and allow time for a damaged esophagus to heal. This medication was only available by prescription, but is now also available in an over-the-counter strength.
These, like all medications, can cause some side effects, so talk to your doctor about which option is best for you.
Surgery
If have a severe case of GERD, your doctor may recommend surgery. The most common procedure is called fundoplication surgery, which applies pressure to the LES valve and reduces reflux. In many cases this can be done without large incisions by performing a laparoscopic operation.
It's important to know that the symptoms of heartburn can mimic other more serious problems, including heart attacks. So, if your symptoms seem like more than just reflux, or if you’re losing weight or having trouble swallowing or breathing, you should discuss it with your doctor.
HealthiNation offers health information for educational purposes only; this information is not meant as medical advice. Always consult your doctor about your specific health condition.
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