Heartburn

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) happens when your stomach contents back up into your esophagus causing heartburn (also called acid reflux).  

Heartburn is a burning sensation felt in your esophagus when acid backs up into it from your stomach and runs through the middle of your chest, behind your breastbone, which is why the burn feels like it's happening around your heart - hence the name "heartburn." There are other symptoms like a bitter or sour taste in the back of the throat. The symptoms of heartburn can last for several hours and often gets worse after you eat heavy meals, leaning forward, or lying flat.

Heartburn is a common complaint. It can be confused with; heart attack, pulmonary embolus, pneumonia and chest wall pain. One clue that it might be a heart attack is if your chest pain is accompanied by shortness of breath or sweating. If the chest pain persists after you take an over-the-counter heartburn remedy and you are worried you might have one of these, especially a heart attack,  call your doctor right away. Better to know than be sorry and suffer the result.

The stomach contains food, acids, and enzymes together which begins digestion. Special cells line the stomach to prevent the acid from causing inflammation. The esophagus doesn't have the same protection. If the acids and digestive juices back up into the esophagus they can cause inflammation and damage to the esophagus lining.When acid reflux becomes persistent heartburn. your lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak or relaxes when it shouldn't.

In diabetics it contributes to gastroparesis (GERD). When you have gastroparesis you either change your eating habits or suffer. I have it. I eat six times a day, very small meals, or I am nauseated all day every day. 

If left untreated, heartburn can cause more serious problems such as inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus, respiratory problems, chronic cough - possibly even cancer.

Some conditions that can increase the chances of heartburn:

• A hiatal hernia where a portion of the stomach lies within the chest instead of the abdomen
• Pregnancy can cause increased pressure within the abdominal cavity
• Obesity can also cause increased pressure and thus acts the same way

Some common foods that we eat and drink can increase stomach acid secretion.

Foods and over-the-counter medication examples.

• Caffeine
• Aspirin (Bayer, Ibuprofen, etc.)
• Aleve
• Advil
• Carbonated beverages
• Acidic juices like grapefruit, orange, pineapple
• Acidic foods like tomatoes, spicy food, grapefruit, and oranges
• Chocolate
• Mint
• Consumption of high-fat foods

Lifestyle changes you can make:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid eating before bedtime
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid smoking
• Elevate the head of your bed about 4"-8" or you can use three pillows

Heartburn Medications:

• Tagamet
• Zantac
• Pepcid

When reflux is so severe that it causes hoarseness, pneumonia, or wheezing, you may need surgery. Check with your doctor and be honest with them.