More than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and some studies have suggested that more than 15 million Americans experience heartburn symptoms each day. Symptoms of heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, are more common among the elderly and women during pregnancy.
Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition in which acid from the stomach flows backward up into the esophagus. People experience heartburn symptoms when excessive amounts of acid reflux into the esophagus. Many describe heartburn as a feeling of burning discomfort, localized behind the breastbone that moves up toward the neck and throat. Some even experience the bitter or sour taste of the acid in the back of the throat. The burning and pressure symptoms of heartburn can last for several hours and often worsen after eating. Almost everyone has occasional heartburn. Frequent heartburn (two or more times a week), food sticking, blood or weight loss may be associated with a more severe problem known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
Causes
To understand gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, it is first necessary to understand what causes heartburn. Most people will experience heartburn if the lining of the esophagus comes in contact with too much stomach juice for too long a time. This stomach juice consists of acid, digestive enzymes, and other injurious materials. The prolonged contact of acidic stomach juice with the esophageal lining injures the esophagus and produces a burning discomfort. Normally, a muscular valve at the lower end of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, keeps the acid in the stomach and out of the esophagus. In GERD, the LES relaxes too frequently, allowing stomach acid to reflux, or flow backward into the esophagus.
Treatments and Prevention
In many cases, doctors find that infrequent heartburn can be controlled by lifestyle modification and proper use of over-the-counter medicines.
· Avoid foods and beverages that contribute to heartburn, such as chocolate, coffee, peppermint, greasy or spicy foods, tomato products and alcoholic beverages.
· Stop smoking. Tobacco inhibits saliva, which is the body’s major buffer. Tobacco may also stimulate stomach acid production and relax the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach, permitting acid reflux to occur.
· Lose weight if too heavy.
· Do not eat 2-3 hours before sleep.
· For infrequent episodes of heartburn, take an over-the-counter antacid or an H2 blocker, some of which are now available without a prescription.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Large numbers of Americans treat minor GI discomforts and infrequent heartburn with over-the-counter antacids and other nonprescription agents. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the nonprescription availability of important acid blockers, also called H2 blockers, for treatment of heartburn. Over-the-counter medications have a significant role in providing relief from heartburn and other occasional GI discomforts. More frequent episodes of heartburn or acid indigestion may be a symptom of a more serious condition which could worsen if not treated. If you are using an over-the-counter product more than twice a week, you should consult a physician who can confirm a specific diagnosis and develop a treatment plan with you, including the use of stronger medicines available only with a prescription.