HEARTBURN

 Basic information

description

Heartburn (also known as acid indigestion) is a symptom, not a disease, and has nothing to do with the heart. It can affect all ages, but is most common in adults over 60. The symptoms are sometimes mistaken for a heart attack. When heartburn occurs often or complications develop, the problem is known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Belching or backward flow of stomach contents into the mouth and throat. This produces an acid taste.
• Heavy burning, discomfort, or pain in the chest.
• It may be difficult to swallow.
• Mild stomach pain or bloated feeling.

causes

Heartburn is caused by a backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that goes from the mouth to the stomach. The muscles that close off the upper stomach become lax (loose). This allows stomach juices to enter the esophagus and irritate its lining.

risk increases with

• Improper diet or overeating.
• Overweight.
• Smoking or excess alcohol use.
• Use of certain prescription drugs.
• Eating spicy or acidic (citrus, tomatoes) foods.
• Drinking carbonated beverages or caffeine-containing drinks.
• Exercise, lying down, bending over, or straining too soon after a meal.
• Pregnancy.
• Hiatal hernia, diabetes, certain autoimmune disorders, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, or respiratory disorders such as asthma.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Avoid smoking.
• Don't overeat or use an excess amount of alcohol.
• Reduce the amount of fats, deep-fried foods, spices, coffee, tea, and tomato products in your diet.
• Don't bend over or lie down right after eating.
• Avoid tight clothes around the waist and abdomen.
• Elevate the head of the bed 4 to 6 inches with blocks.
• Lose weight if you are overweight.

expected outcomes

Symptoms usually clear up on their own. In other cases, symptoms can be relieved with treatment.

possible complications

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Rarely, bleeding or inflammation, or more rare esophageal cancer.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Heartburn usually begins within about an hour after eating and may continue for several hours. Self-care involves taking preventive measures and heartburn drugs, if needed, to control the symptoms.
• If the problem gets worse or self-care is not working, see your health care provider. A physical exam will be done and questions asked about your symptoms. Medical tests are usually not needed, but may be done to help diagnose any complications.
• Stop smoking. Find a way to quit that works for you.
• Rarely, surgery may be recommended when other treatment steps are not helping the symptoms.
• To learn more: National Heartburn Alliance, 303 East Wacker Drive, Suite 440, Chicago, IL 60601; (877) 471-2081; website: www.heartburnalliance.org.

medications

• For minor discomfort, you may use any of the heartburn preventive drugs available without a prescription. Different ones work for different people. If one type does not work for you, a different type may help.
• A stronger type of heartburn drug may be prescribed.
• If a drug you take is causing heartburn, a change in dosage or a new drug may be prescribed.

activity

Resume normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.

diet

• Avoid foods and beverages that cause excess stomach acid, such as spicy dishes, coffee, acidic fruit juice, or alcohol. Avoid chocolate, and eat less high-fat foods.
• Eat small, frequent meals.

 notify our office if

• If you or a family member has heartburn that continues or worsens despite self-care.
• The following symptoms occur with heartburn (may mean a heart attack). Seek emergency help:
  • Shortness of breath; pain in the jaw, neck, and arm.
  • Sweating; cold, clammy feeling; nausea or vomiting.

Special Notes: