Heartburn literally feels like burning in your chest. The burning is a result of stomach acids backing up into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) should seal itself to prevent this from happening, but for those who suffer from heartburn, it relaxes and allows acid reflux to develop.
Almost every person at one point will experience heartburn symptoms, and it is usually due to something they consumed that triggered it. Spicy, acidic, fried, and fatty foods and caffeinated drinks are well-known triggers of heartburn. Heartburn can also be a side effect of certain medications. People who are overweight or obese are at an increased risk for heartburn.
While very common, heartburn that is becoming increasingly frequent should be examined by a doctor.
Signs and Symptoms of Severe Heartburn
Your heartburn is severe enough to require treatment if you experience the following:
- Sudden, sharp chest pain during heartburn flareups
- Weakness, dizziness, or confusion
- Regurgitation (burping up acid or feeling it in the back of your throat) when you lay down
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep (waking up in the middle of the night) due to symptoms
- A chronic cough or hoarseness of the voice
- Difficulty swallowing food or experiencing pain in the throat when eating
- Severe abdominal cramping
- Unexplained weight loss
- Dental issues such as teeth sensitivity from worn enamel
Heartburn that keeps happening should be checked out by a physician since it is a known symptom of a condition called GERD or gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease. There are serious complications that can arise from untreated heartburn or GERD. Over time, stomach acid can cause changes to the cells in the esophagus, which may lead to esophageal cancer.
Many people who suffer from severe heartburn may not know that their condition can be properly managed, and there is a treatment to ease their symptoms. Your heartburn symptoms could be caused by diet and lifestyle factors, medication, or weight. A gastroenterologist specializes in heartburn treatment and can design a treatment plan tailored specifically for you that meets your needs and preferences.
Heartburn itself can severely impact your quality of life. Eating and sleeping are both critical to overall health, and heartburn can sour your ability to enjoy both. Furthermore, heartburn and heart attack have similar symptoms, so as much as possible, you should manage heartburn to avoid serious outcomes, because you may incorrectly assume a heart attack is just heartburn.
Heartburn Treatment in Austin, TX
Our board-certified and fellowship-trained gastroenterologists at Austin Gastroenterology (AG) are experts in diagnosing and treating patients suffering from heartburn. We are highly experienced and well-equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, from heartburn to GERD to Barrett’s esophagus. We can bring you relief and educate you on what is causing your symptoms, as well as how to manage it.
Austin Gastroenterology (AG) has been in practice for decades and is proud to provide for all the GI needs of residents of Central Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of our GI doctors, call our clinic nearest you or use our convenient appointment request form.
