Message from the AGA/FDHN: Take the "Burn" Out of Heartburn

 

At least once a week, millions of Americans experience a burning sensation behind the breastbone known as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition can stop you from doing things you want to do because you’re feeling so poorly, keep you up at night, and restrict the foods you can eat—most likely your favorites (see list under “Watch out for these triggers”).

 

Heartburn occurs when a muscle—the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—located between your esophagus and your stomach—either relaxes too much or is very weak. Instead of keeping acidic stomach contents where they belong, the LES allows them to back up, or reflux, into the esophagus. 

 

If heartburn happens occasionally, don’t worry. It can be avoided or relieved by taking over-the-counter (OTC) medication and changing some habits—like eating too much fatty or fried food or eating too close to bedtime. If heartburn persists or worsens, though, it’s time to consult a gastroenterologist. Your heartburn may have become chronic GERD, a more serious condition that requires a more serious approach. 

 

Watching what you eat once you have chronic GERD can make all the difference  between feeling well and feeling sick. To avoid the burn, consider keeping a food diary to help manage and reduce symptoms. But first, you’ll want to know which foods trigger your symptoms—they’re not the same for everyone. Common foods and medications that can cause GERD include: 

• Fried or fatty foods 

• Chocolate 

• Peppermint 

• Alcohol 

• Coffee (decaf, too)

• Carbonated beverages

• Ketchup and mustard

• Vinegar

• Tomato sauce

• Citrus fruits or juices 

• Aspirin, anti-inflammatory and pain medications other than acetaminophen 

 

It’s important to note that it’s not just what you eat that can cause GERD. Other factors can contribute, so you may want to:

• Decrease portion size at mealtime to avoid overeating. 

• Eat meals at least two to three hours before lying down. 

• Elevate the head of your bed four to six inches by using blocks or telephone books for height and lift. 

• Lose weight if you are overweight. 

• Avoid anything that can increase pressure on your abdomen. Try simple things like not wearing tight clothing or control-top hosiery and body shapers. Less obvious things to stay away from include sit-ups, leg lifts, or abdominal crunches. 

• Stop smoking, as cigarettes decrease the LES muscle’s ability to work properly. 

 

Several OTC and prescription drugs relieve heartburn symptoms. You’ll need to talk to your gastroenterologist to find the right ones for you. Taking medications exactly as prescribed then becomes very important. Why? If treatment suddenly stops, your GERD symptoms are likely to return—and could get worse. So talk to your doctor before stopping treatment of any kind.