If you have experienced heartburn, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that can be caused by eating certain foods, drinking certain beverages, or even lying down after eating. Common symptoms of heartburn include:
Heartburn is caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It is about 10 inches long and is lined with a mucous membrane. When you swallow, the esophagus contracts and relaxes to push food down into the stomach. If stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, it can cause a burning sensation in the chest and throat.
While heartburn is not usually life-threatening, it can signify a more serious condition. Here are six truths about heartburn and what it can mean is really happening.
Heartburn can lead to a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is a chronic condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and feeling something stuck in the throat.
Barrett’s esophagus occurs when the lining of the esophagus becomes similar to the lining of the intestine. This condition is caused by long-term exposure to stomach acid, increasing the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Esophageal strictures are narrowing of the esophagus caused by damage to the esophageal lining due to stomach acid. Symptoms include:
Esophageal ulcers are open sores on the esophagus lining due to stomach acid damage. They frequently occur where the esophagus meets the stomach. The esophagus is more vulnerable to harm from stomach acid when the layer of tissue that lines and protects it is worn down or gone entirely, which can result in ulcers.
Esophageal cancer tumors develop on the inside lining of the esophagus. Adenocarcinomas, the most prevalent kind of esophageal cancer, begin in gland cells at the base of the esophagus. Chronic acid reflux, GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, and chronic heartburn can raise the risk of adenocarcinoma esophageal cancer. Of the truths about heartburn, this is the most serious and the biggest reason to seek treatment for chronic heartburn.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing complications associated with heartburn. These include avoiding foods and beverages that trigger heartburn, eating smaller meals, avoiding lying down after eating, and taking over-the-counter or prescription medications to help reduce stomach acid production.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can also help reduce the risk of developing GERD and other heartburn complications.
If you experience frequent or severe heartburn, it is important to speak with your doctor. They can help you determine the cause of your heartburn and develop a treatment plan to help reduce your risk of developing complications.
Don’t delay treatment for your chronic heartburn – schedule an appointment today!
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