Are You Struggling with Heartburn?

Don’t let heartburn take all the fun out of eating.

Most of us will deal with heartburn at some point during our lifetime. Whether it’s that spicy food you grabbed on the go or it was too much champagne on New Year's Eve, these occurrences are rarely enough to give someone pause; however, if your heartburn is persistent it might just be time to visit our Houston board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Vikram Jayanty.

What is heartburn?

Every time we eat something the stomach immediately produces acid to break down the food and make it easier to digest. If you have heartburn (also known as acid reflux) then this acid actually travels back up through the esophagus, which leads to a burning sensation in the throat and chest. You may even experience regurgitation.

What triggers heartburn?

You may notice that certain foods can leave you in great distress. If you are prone to heartburn it’s a good idea to avoid caffeine and alcohol, as well as greasy, acidic and spicy foods. Avoid eating large meals or lying down immediately after eating. You should also avoid eating about 2-3 hours before going to bed.

Those who smoke, as well as those who are obese or pregnant are also more likely to develop heartburn.

Can I treat heartburn on my own?

Absolutely. Most people turn to over-the-counter medications to help them get their acid reflux under control, especially if the symptoms are minor or they only experience the occasional bout of heartburn. While there are some home remedies that may help, there are many over-the-counter antacids that you can choose from that can reduce stomach acid.

If you’ve been diagnosed with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) then you may find more effective relief with proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium or Prilosec, which blocks stomach acid production to allow the esophagus time to heal.

When should I see a doctor?

If you’re having trouble getting your heartburn under control then our Houston GI doctor can help. You should schedule an appointment with us if you are experiencing:

• Heartburn that occurs three or more times a week
• Heartburn symptoms despite taking over-the-counter antacids
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain or trouble swallowing
• Loss of appetite attributed to heartburn

Acid reflux also can cause pre-cancerous changes in the esophagus which can lead to esophageal cancer, especially in white males.

Dealing with heartburn in Houston, TX? If most of your meals are being served with a side of heartburn then it’s time to get some answers. Call Houston Endoscopy and Research Center today at (713) 932-9200 for an evaluation.