Indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux – we hear these terms often on television commercials, and particularly during the holidays, when we tend to overeat. But while the symptoms may be common, they can also become a chronic problem that leads to serious diseases, affecting older adults as well as healthy, active teenagers.
So, what causes heartburn-related symptoms and when can it become a more serious health issue? For answers on how to treat and prevent heartburn, and warning signs that it could be something more serious, we talked to Dr. Ted Conklin, a medical director at Premera.
Q: What exactly is “heartburn”?
Heartburn is a term commonly used to describe the symptom of acid reflux, triggered by stomach acid coming up into your esophagus (or swallowing tube) that creates a burning feeling in your chest. Stomach acid is created naturally to help digest nutrients when you eat.
Q: What usually triggers it?
Eating causes a surge in stomach acid production. Eating too much or laying down too soon after eating can increase the chances of stomach acid coming up out of the stomach into the esophagus. Sometimes, consuming specific foods or alcohol may worsen the symptoms.
Q: How can you diminish the symptoms of acid reflux?
If you experience occasional symptoms you can take over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums, which neutralize stomach acid. But if it is happening often, ask your doctor about possible treatments, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that reduce the production of acid in the stomach, which can also help prevent ulcers. A doctor may suggest a four-to-six week treatment of PPIs, which are available over-the-counter (e.g. Omeprazole) or by prescription.
Q: Is this the same as GERD?
Many people have heartburn or acid reflux occasionally, but when it is chronic (or with severe symptoms), you may develop Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Talk to your doctor about what’s causing it and how to address the symptoms. If GERD is left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage of the esophagus, swallowing difficulties and even worse, cancer.
Q: So, how do I know if my heartburn is something more serious?
If you experience increasingly severe acid reflux symptoms several times a week or your symptoms fail to improve with over-the-counter antacids, ask your doctor. More serious symptoms include pain or trouble with swallowing. Emergent symptoms include the development of jet black stools which can be a sign of bleeding into the stomach area or vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds. There are also other health issues such as asthma, laryngitis, chronic cough, and halitosis (bad breath) that could be related to acid reflux.
Q: What tests do I need to diagnose a condition?
Rather than having a procedure or tests prematurely, your doctor will likely try a regimen or PPIs (or H2 blockers) first, and if that doesn’t work, then there are further tests your doctor can order to help diagnose your condition.
Q: What can I do to alleviate or prevent acid reflux?
If you are concerned about acid reflux, one of the first steps is to keep a food journal to identify the key triggers of your symptoms. In addition, you can make the following lifestyle changes:
- Lose weight (assuming you are overweight)
- Quit smoking
- Limit your alcohol consumption (as well as carbonated drinks), as it irritates the lining of your stomach
- Wear loose-fitting clothes that don’t put extra pressure on your stomach in your upper abdomen area
- Eat smaller meals
- Reduce stress
- Not lay down within two hours of eating and don’t eat within two hours of going to bed
- Delay strenuous exercises (wait 1-2 hours after a meal or simply eat a light snack before running, cycling, etc.)
- Be cautious when using aspirin or anti-inflammatories such as naproxen, ibuprofen or aspirin because they can reduce the protective lining of your stomach.
Finally, experiencing heartburn or acid reflux is very different from having a heart attack. However, if you experience any symptoms that worry you, such as tightness in your neck or chest, or shortness of breath that you feel is related to your heart, call your doctor (or 24-hour NurseLine) immediately or call 911.