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Heartburn Help
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Do you experience the burning sensation of indigestion? Here’s how to soothe your stomach.
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By Christina Frank
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MediZine's Healthy Living Second Quarter 2006
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Heartburn sufferers often use the word "fire" when describing the unpleasant feeling of this common ailment.
Approximately 54 million American adults suffer from frequent heartburn—also known as acid reflux—which occurs when stomach juices back up into the lower part of the esophagus. More than 90 percent of sufferers say it significantly affects their quality of life, which may mean that they can’t enjoy their favorite foods or that their discomfort puts a damper on socializing. Untreated, heartburn can, over time, damage the lining of the esophagus, which may lead to a higher risk of esophageal cancer. Fortunately, you can take steps to tame the blazing beast.
Decreasing your consumption of caffeine, alcohol and peppermint can prevent or reduce the occurrence of heartburn; stopping smoking and maintaining a healthy weight are also important. Spicy or fatty foods seem to bring on the burn for some people, as do large portions. Daniel DeMarco, M.D., who oversees the Baylor Heartburn Center at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, advises a trial-and-error approach when limiting foods and portion size. “If something seems to make your heartburn flare up, stop eating it,” he says.
Certain symptoms may signify a more serious condition. Red flags include:
• Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
• An initial onset of heartburn after age 50
• Heartburn that has persisted for more than 10 years
• Heartburn that resists treatment with medications
• Sudden weight loss
• Chest pain
• Blood loss or anemia
For quick relief of occasional heartburn, over-the-counter (OTC) antacids are generally effective at neutralizing acid in the esophagus.
For more stubborn or frequent heartburn, stronger medications known as H2 blockers might do the trick. The strongest drugs available are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which provide longer-lasting relief by reducing acid production in the stomach. But they take longer to work and must be taken at the right time—before the first meal of the day, according to Jeffrey Linder, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Methodist Health System in Dallas. H2 blockers and certain PPIs come in both OTC and prescription strengths.
“When you have reflux and are lying down, gravity is no longer your friend,” says Dr. Linder. To prevent acid from backing up, some find it helpful to raise the head of their bed.
If you routinely sleep poorly, the cause of your nighttime troubles might be unidentified heartburn, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Some people experience no typical heartburn symptoms, but may have respiratory problems or sleep disturbances as a result of nighttime reflux, explains Dr. Jeffrey Linder. "They may wake up slightly and cough a bit," he says. It's important to treat nighttime reflux, since it allows for longer acid exposure. Lying down can also result in acid backing up into the larynx and lungs, which can cause asthma. If you have unexplained sleep disturbances or respiratory complaints, see your doctor.
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