Heartburn definition
Heartburn is a sensation of burning in the chest caused by stomach acid backing up into the
esophagus (food pipe). The burning is usually in the upper and central part of the chest, just
behind the sternum (breast bone). The burning can worsen or can be brought on by lying
flat or on the right side. Pregnancy tends to aggravate heartburn.
Many people experience heartburn and there are a large number of over-the-counter (OTC)
medications and home remedies available to treat heartburn or the symptoms of heartburn.
In most cases you will not need to see a health care professional, except if the symptoms
are frequent (several times a week ) or severe.
If heartburn is severe or the pain is accompanied with additional symptoms such
as shortness of breath, radiation into your arms or neck, you will need to see a doctor to
distinguish these symptoms from more serious medical conditions such as a heart attack.
GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a chronic and more serious form of heartburn.
If your heartburn symptoms occur more than twice a week you should see your health care
professional to make sure no serious problems are present.
Foods Eaten
Trigger
Activities
(Yes or No)
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Endoscopy: A flexible scope is passed down the esophagus to examine the esophagus as
well as the stomach. Biopsies can be taken if indicated. This lets the doctor see if there is
any obvious damage, and also eliminate other reasons for the patient's symptoms (foreign
body, malignancy).
Upper GI series (upper GI series): After drinking a liquid that coats the inside of the
digestive tract, X-rays are taken. These X-rays will show the outline of the digestive system.
Ambulatory pH testing: This test measures the acidity in the esophagus via a small tube
that goes through the nose into the stomach.
Lifestyle changes
There are several ways to treat and avoid heartburn with lifestyle changes.
Weight loss/keeping ideal weight: Excess weight increases the pressure on the
esophageal sphincter.
Food control: Avoid foods that trigger heartburn (see previously). Consider keeping
a food journal to alert you to foods that make your heartburn worse. Decrease the
amount of food you eat.
Elevate the head of the bed: If you are experiencing heartburn at night, elevating
the head of the bed will decrease reflux.
4. Surgical procedures
5. Comment on thisShare Your Story
13.
14. The first step, as it is so often, is basic lifestyle changes. Stop smoking, lose weight,
and watch what you eat (sounds familiar?).
15. If these interventions do not fully alleviate heartburn symptoms, then the addition of
medications that decrease heartburn or prevent it all together, under the guidance of
your health care professional, should allow you to control heartburn.