Experiencing heartburn happens on a daily basis for about 10% of Americans and up to 50% for pregnant women. While occasional heartburn isn’t necessarily serious it could become chronic and turn into gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) which could result in complications such as esophagitis, ulcers or bleeding.
Heartburn itself is a symptom of either acid reflux or GERD. It is an irritation of the esophagus caused by stomach acid that has leaked out of the stomach through the lower esophageal sphincter. The LES keeps stomach acid in the stomach. It’s located below the rib cage and slightly left of center. Ordinarily the LES opens to allow food into the stomach or to belch, and then closes. If it opens too often or doesn’t close tightly enough, acid can spill out into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation.
An underactive LES can be caused by various issues including too much food in the stomach or too much pressure on the stomach from either obesity or pregnancy. Foods can also contribute to the relaxation of the LES. Common triggers are tomatoes, citrus, garlic, onions, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, caffeine and peppermint but individual triggers may vary. Other factors include certain medications, stress and smoking. Keeping a diary of when symptoms occur can help identify specific triggers so that they may be avoided in the future.
The symptoms of heartburn mainly involve a burning sensation in the chest behind the breastbone after eating. This can last anywhere between a few minutes or a few hours. There may also be chest pain that comes on particularly when bending over, lying down or eating. This pain can be very similar to the pain caused by a heart attack and is easily mistaken for it. A burning sensation or acidic/salty fluid at the back of the throat may also occur. Sometimes it can feel hard to swallow, or like food is sticking in the chest or throat. Some people may experience a chronic cough, sore throat or hoarseness.
The typical treatment for occasional heartburn is either an over the counter antacid taken as needed or a prescription strength antacid that is taken on a regular basis. In some cases surgery may be necessary to repair the LES and prevent future reflux. There are also natural treatments which involve various lifestyle changes and tips. For example, one should change the amount of food eaten during a meal as well as how quickly one eats. Smaller, more frequent meals eaten slowly will help prevent acid reflux as well as paying attention to one’s trigger foods and avoiding them. It’s even possible to search for recipes online or in specialized cookbooks that will provide ideas for what to eat while avoiding typical heartburn triggers.
Chewing gum after a meal will help to increase saliva production and move food from the stomach into the small intestine more quickly. It won’t sit in the stomach as long which will reduce your chances of stomach acid spilling into the esophagus. It’s also helpful to avoid sodas, juices and alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. Instead drink water, decaffeinated tea, non-citrus juice or milk.
Additional tips include:
- Wearing looser clothing
- Lose weight
- Stop smoking
- Raise the head of your bed 6 inches
- Avoid high fat meals
- Increase fiber in your diet