Heartburn Specialist

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is a condition that describes painful burning sensations in your throat and chest due to a backflow of acid into your esophagus. This condition is associated with acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and is a symptom of these two medical issues.

You can experience occasional heartburn after eating a particular food or drinking alcohol; some medications can also cause symptoms. If you experience heartburn several times a week, it may be an indication you have acid reflux or GERD.

Why do I have heartburn?

Heartburn begins in your digestive system, specifically in your esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. Within this tube is a delicate lining that is irritated by acids flowing back up from your stomach, especially after eating a large meal or when bending over or lying down.

As the acid moves into the esophagus, it irritates your esophageal lining and causes the burning sensations in your throat and discomfort in your chest. This irritation can be serious enough to cause pain severe enough to be mistaken for a heart attack or other serious condition.

Heartburn presents as a painful burning sensation in your chest, which closely resembles chest pains related to a heart problem. Eisenman & Eisenman, M.D., Advanced Gastro Consultants often recommends cardiac testing to rule out heart disease as a cause.

How is heartburn treated?

For starters, your Eisenman & Eisenman, M.D., Advanced Gastro Consultants provider may recommend prescription medications to neutralize the acid.

In addition to medications, your Eisenman & Eisenman, M.D., Advanced Gastro Consultants provider can recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to reduce the frequency and severity of heartburn, such as:

• Losing weight
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Avoiding spicy and fatty foods
  
  

Your doctor continues to monitor the frequency of your heartburn to prevent damage to your esophageal lining.

If your heartburn relates to GERD, you may need additional medications to keep your condition well-controlled or surgery to repair the valve that allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.

You don’t have to live with the discomfort of frequent heartburn. Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Eisenman & Eisenman, M.D., Advanced Gastro Consultants today using the online booking feature or by calling the office.