Most people have experienced heartburn at one time or another. It’s very common! Every year, in fact, around 60 million Americans experience heartburn according to one study. Depending on what you ate, heartburn will present a mild to moderate level of distress for most individuals.
But there are some people for whom heartburn is a far bigger deal. Unfortunately, heartburn symptoms are more regular and sometimes even chronic for these people. Because heartburn is usually a pretty routine (and self-treatable) healthcare concern, it’s tempting to try to disregard chronic or persistent heartburn.
That can be a really bad idea. Chronic heartburn might be a sign of an underlying medical condition that, left untreated, can cause serious issues for you in the future. If you want to find chronic heartburn relief, you’ll want to schedule an appointment to see your doctor.
What causes persistent heartburn?
There’s acid in your stomach. It’s okay, though! This acid is digestive in nature and helps break down food you eat. For the most part, this stomach acid won’t ever bother you. There’s a valve known as the lower esophageal sphincter (more commonly referred to as the esophagus) that keeps the stomach acids in check. This is typically a one way valve allowing food to pass through on its way down but stopping it from coming back up.
Heartburn happens when (for a number of reasons) a little of this stomach acid finds its way up. When acid goes back up past the esophagus it’s known as acid reflux. Heartburn usually happens for most people after eating certain foods. Your heartburn will usually recede in a short while if it’s a dietary scenario.
But what if you’re becoming concerned about when or if your heartburn will go away? Well, if you’re experiencing heartburn twice a week or more, you could be coping with chronic heartburn. When that’s the case it’s probably worth making an appointment with your doctor.
Heartburn can cause, and be caused by other health problems
How much of a threat is chronic heartburn? Well, the answer to that question is involved. It’s more accurate to think of heartburn as a symptom. Both the symptoms and the base causes of heartburn can lead to serious health complications.
That’s why persistent heartburn symptoms may mean that it’s time to get examined by an ENT. Here are several of the most common health problems associated with chronic heartburn:
- Issues with your mouth: You can get lesions and sores in your mouth, not to mention bad breath, from chronic heartburn.
- Esophageal ulcers: Ulcers of the esophagus are fairly unusual, but they can be serious when they happen. A hole or sore can form over time from recurring exposure to stomach acid. Scarring and constricting of the esophagus can cause swallowing to become hazardous amongst other considerable complications. Ulcers can also bleed. If you suspect you might have ulcers or have persistent heartburn, schedule an appointment with us right away because ulcers need to be dealt with in a timely manner.
- Barrett’s Esophagus: The lining of the lower esophagus can be compromised when constantly exposed to stomach acids from persistent heartburn. Over time, this leads to a condition known as Barrett’s Esophagus. This condition increases your risk of developing esophageal cancer in the future, so close monitoring may be necessary.
- Esophagitis: This is an affliction in which your esophagus becomes extremely swollen. This severe swelling can itself cause significant pain and discomfort, trouble swallowing, and other issues.
What is the cause of chronic heartburn? It’s probably GERD
When we’re discussing reflux and heartburn, a condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) needs to also be mentioned. GERD is usually the cause of the majority of cases of persistent heartburn and reflux.
When the valve that keeps stomach acid from going up past the esophagus begins to fail or completely fails, GERD is the outcome. This situation will cause stomach acid and undigested food to get up into places it shouldn’t be. If I had GERD, how would I know? Here are a number of the most common symptoms:
- Trouble sleeping.
- Chronic heartburn.
- Regurgitation of food (especially when you lay down).
- Trouble swallowing.
GERD is often treated in a number of different ways. In some cases, medication can help manage and minimize excess stomach acid production. For more severe cases, surgery can help mend or reinforce the failing valve (in some cases all it takes is a little magnetic clamp).
If you think you’re dealing with GERD, it’s important to speak with us, as chronic heartburn and reflux can result in significant complications, and successful treatment of GERD can help minimize those complications.
Your symptoms can be managed – we can help
Having heartburn now and again is perfectly normal (especially if your diet is particularly… intense). But you shouldn’t disregard the symptoms of persistent heartburn. More substantial issues in the future can be the result. When you consult your doctor, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your heartburn and the best way to find relief from your symptoms.
Heartburn symptoms can usually be successfully managed and mitigated, which means you can find peace again! Calling us for a consultation is the first step!
References
https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/heartburn-what-you-need-to-know