What Is Heartburn and Is There a Solution?

By Grand Health Partners

Heartburn is one of the most common digestive complaints in the United States. If you’ve ever felt a burning sensation in your chest after eating, you’re not alone. Millions of people experience heartburn on a regular basis, and for some, it becomes a chronic and disruptive part of daily life. At Grand Health Partners, we take a comprehensive approach to identifying the root cause of your heartburn and guiding you toward long-term solutions that truly work.

In this blog, we’ll explore what heartburn is, why it happens, how to recognize the symptoms, and most importantly, what can be done to find lasting relief.

What Is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, a condition where stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. At the end of the esophagus is a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Its job is to open when food enters the stomach and close afterward to prevent acid from moving back up.

When the LES becomes weak or relaxes when it shouldn’t, acid from the stomach can move into the esophagus, causing that familiar burning feeling in the chest. Despite the name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. However, because the pain is often felt near the chest area, it is sometimes mistaken for a heart-related issue.

What Causes Heartburn?

Heartburn can be triggered by a variety of factors, many of which are related to lifestyle or diet. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Certain Foods and Drinks
Spicy foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, tomatoes, onions, garlic, fatty or fried foods, peppermint, and caffeinated or carbonated drinks can all trigger heartburn in some individuals.

2. Eating Habits
Eating large meals or lying down shortly after eating can increase the likelihood of acid reflux. Eating too close to bedtime is another common culprit.

3. Obesity
Excess weight puts pressure on the abdomen, which can push stomach contents up into the esophagus.

4. Smoking
Tobacco weakens the lower esophageal sphincter, making it easier for acid to escape the stomach.

5. Pregnancy
Hormonal changes and increased pressure on the stomach can lead to heartburn in pregnant women.

6. Medications
Certain medications, including NSAIDs, antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, and antidepressants, can contribute to heartburn.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Heartburn symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include:

• A burning sensation in the chest, often after eating
  
• A bitter or sour taste in the mouth
  
• Pain that worsens when lying down or bending over
  
• Difficulty swallowing
  
• A sensation of food or liquid coming back up into the throat
  

Chronic or frequent heartburn may indicate a more serious condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you experience heartburn more than twice a week or your symptoms interfere with daily life, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Is There a Solution?

Yes, there are multiple solutions to manage and treat heartburn, ranging from lifestyle modifications to medical and surgical interventions. The right approach depends on the frequency and severity of your symptoms, as well as any underlying causes.

Let’s take a closer look at the available options.

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

In many cases, simple lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce or eliminate heartburn. These include:

1. Adjusting Meal Timing and Portion Size
Avoid eating large meals and try not to eat within three hours of going to bed. Smaller, more frequent meals can be easier for your stomach to handle.

2. Elevating the Head of Your Bed
Raising the head of your bed by six to eight inches can help keep stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus while you sleep.

3. Losing Weight
If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can help reduce pressure on the stomach and improve symptoms.

4. Avoiding Trigger Foods
Keeping a food diary can help you identify which foods cause heartburn so you can avoid them.

5. Quitting Smoking
This can improve your overall digestive health and strengthen the LES.

6. Wearing Loose-Fitting Clothing
Tight clothing around your waist can put pressure on your abdomen and trigger reflux.

Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medications

For people with occasional heartburn, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide quick relief:

• Antacids: These neutralize stomach acid and provide fast relief.
  
• H2 Blockers: These reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces.
  
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These are stronger acid reducers that help heal the esophagus.
  

However, long-term use of some medications, especially PPIs, should be monitored by a physician due to potential side effects and complications.

When Medication Is Not Enough

If lifestyle changes and medications aren’t enough, or if you want a more permanent solution, it may be time to explore advanced treatment options. This is especially true for individuals with chronic GERD or those who experience complications such as esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, or strictures.

At Grand Health Partners, we specialize in evaluating the root causes of chronic reflux and providing tailored treatment options. One of the tools we use is esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), a procedure that allows us to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine to assess for damage or abnormalities.

Advanced Treatment Options

If testing reveals significant damage or you’re not finding relief with conservative treatments, there are several advanced options available:

1. Hiatal Hernia Repair
Many patients with frequent or severe Reflux have a Hiatal Hernia. This is a condition where your stomach pushes up through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. This often causes reflux symptoms and feelings of food getting stuck. Surgical repair of a hiatal hernia brings the stomach back down into the abdominal cavity and tightens the muscles of the diaphragm around the esophagus. Hiatal Hernia Repairs can be performed alone and can be performed with a fundoplication or a bariatric (weight loss) operation.

2. Fundoplication Surgery
This is a surgical procedure in which the top of the stomach is wrapped around the LES to strengthen it and reduce reflux.

3. Bariatric Surgery
For patients who struggle with both reflux and obesity, weight loss surgery can address both issues. Procedures like the gastric bypass are known to significantly reduce GERD symptoms.

At Grand Health Partners, we evaluate each patient’s full health profile to determine which treatment path is right for them. Whether you’re struggling with occasional heartburn or facing more advanced symptoms, we provide personalized care with proven outcomes.

When to See a Specialist

You should consider seeking medical advice if:

• You experience heartburn more than twice per week
  
• Symptoms persist despite using OTC medications
  
• You have difficulty swallowing or feel like food gets stuck
  
• You’ve experienced unintentional weight loss
  
• You have nausea, vomiting, or signs of gastrointestinal bleeding
  
• You have a history of Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer in your family
  

Ignoring chronic heartburn can lead to long-term complications, so it’s important to address the issue early and take it seriously.

Heartburn is more than a minor inconvenience. For many, it disrupts sleep, impacts daily life, and leads to long-term health concerns if left untreated. Fortunately, solutions are available, and with the right care team by your side, relief is within reach.

At Grand Health Partners, our team is dedicated to helping you find the root cause of your reflux and providing a solution that fits your lifestyle and goals. Whether you need a diagnostic evaluation, medication management, or a long-term surgical solution, we are here to walk with you every step of the way.

Request a consultation and take the first step toward relief. You don’t have to live with heartburn — and you shouldn’t have to.

Grand Health Partners
Leaders in weight loss and digestive health
www.grandhealthpartners.com 

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