Heart Burn

Heartburn is a painful, burning sensation in the esophagus, just under the breastbone, that occurs after eating or at night. The pain often rises in the chest and radiates to the neck and throat. Caused by the regurgitation of gastric acid into the esophagus, heartburn is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. However, unlike occasional heartburn, GERD is a more serious condition that causes consistent heartburn for extended periods of time and often affects the quality of a person’s daily life.

Everyone experiences heartburn at some time or another, whether it’s triggered by spicy foods or eating a large meal. However, for people who suffer from GERD, heartburn occurs much more frequently—often 2 or more times a week, lasting up to 3 months or longer.

In addition to seeking medical help, changes in habit and lifestyle can also help reduce the occurrence of heartburn. Common preventative measures include: • Avoid lying down after eating or within 2 or 3 hours of bedtime • Elevate the head of the bed 4 to 6 inches • Quit smoking/using tobacco products • Eat smaller, more frequent meals • Lose weight if overweight • Avoid aspirin and most pain medicines (other than acetaminophen) Avoiding the following foods may also help reduce heartburn: • Coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages • Mint products, such as peppermint, spearmint, etc. • Alcohol • Carbonated beverages, citrus and fruit juices • Chocolate • Fried or fatty foods • Tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard and vinegar

While one of the simplest treatments of heartburn/GERD is a change in lifestyle, other options range from over-the-counter antacids that neutralize stomach acid to prescribed medications that reduce acid regurgitation or block acid production. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to tighten the esophagus/stomach barrier. If you’ve been experiencing consistent heartburn for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. Take the first step to getting the help you need by filling out the Evaluation Assessment below to determine the severity of your condition and the treatment options available to you.

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