You’ve probably had heartburn before. It’s incredibly common! Every year, in fact, around 60 million Americans experience heartburn according to one study. Depending on your diet, heartburn will present a mild to moderate degree of discomfort for the majority of people.
But there are some individuals for whom heartburn is a far bigger problem. Sadly, heartburn symptoms are more regular and sometimes even chronic for these individuals. Because heartburn is otherwise a fairly routine (and self-treatable) healthcare concern, it’s tempting to attempt to ignore chronic or persistent heartburn.
And that’s an issue. Much more serious medical issues can happen if chronic heartburn is left untreated. If you want to get chronic heartburn relief, you’ll want to make an appointment to see your doctor.
What causes chronic heartburn?
Your stomach is full of acid. But that’s normally a good thing. This acid is digestive in nature and helps break down food you eat. For the most part, this stomach acid will never bother you. That’s thanks to a useful little “valve” in your esophagus (called the lower esophageal sphincter). This valve lets food down your esophagus but blocks anything from coming back up. (Well, under normal conditions).
When a little of this stomach acid finds its way back up past the esophagus Heartburn is the outcome. When acid travels back up past the esophagus it’s called acid reflux. Heartburn usually occurs for most people after eating certain foods. When that’s the situation, your heartburn will normally go away after a short while.
But what if you’re left wondering, when will my heartburn recede? Well, if you’re dealing with heartburn twice a week or more, you might be coping with chronic heartburn. The best course of action in situations like this is to consult your doctor.
Heartburn can cause, and be caused by other health problems
So, is chronic heartburn dangerous? Well, the answer to that question is complicated. Heartburn it’s generally more of a symptom than a cause. That symptom can cause hazardous complications (and have serious underlying causes).
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 connected to persistent heartburn:
- Esophageal ulcers: Ulcers of the esophagus are relatively unusual, but they can be serious when they happen. A hole or sore can develop over time from continued exposure to stomach acid. Ulcers like this can result in substantial complications, including scarring and a constricting of the esophagus (making swallowing more dangerous). Ulcers can also bleed. If you suspect you might have ulcers or have persistent heartburn, set up an appointment with us right away because ulcers need to be addressed in a timely manner.
- Barrett’s Esophagus: The lining of the lower esophagus can be damaged when constantly exposed to stomach acids from chronic heartburn. Over time, this results in a condition called Barrett’s Esophagus. It’s important to keep a close eye on this condition because it increases your long-term danger of developing esophageal cancer.
- Issues with your mouth: You can develop lesions and sores in your mouth, as well as bad breath, from chronic heartburn.
- Esophagitis: When your esophagus becomes significantly swollen, it’s known as esophagitis. Difficulty with swallowing and extreme pain can be the consequence of this severe inflammation.
The primary cause of heartburn is a condition known as GERD
When we’re discussing reflux and heartburn, a condition called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) needs to also be mentioned. GERD is usually the cause of the majority of cases of persistent heartburn and reflux.
GERD happens when that valve that keeps stomach acid out of your esophagus fails or partially fails. This means that stomach acid (and digesting food) doesn’t always stay where it’s supposed to be. If I had GERD, how would I know? Here are a number of the most prevalent symptoms:
- Trouble sleeping.
- Chronic heartburn.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Regurgitation of food (especially when you lay down).
There are normally a few ways that GERD is dealt with. Excess stomach acid production can sometimes be minimized by medication. But in some more extreme cases, a surgery that utilizes a small magnetic clamp to reinforce and repair the failing valve.
Substantial complications can result from untreated chronic reflux and surgery can help get those symptoms under control. That’s why it’s important to contact us if you believe you have GERD.
Your symptoms can be managed – we can help
Everybody gets a little heartburn now and again, and if they have an especially demanding diet that’s even more true. But the symptoms of chronic heartburn should never be dismissed. Doing so can lead to more substantial problems in the future. You’ll have the chance to discuss your heartburn severity when you talk to your doctor.
Heartburn symptoms can normally be successfully controlled and mitigated, which means you can find peace again! It all begins by setting up an appointment with your ENT. Find a provider today!
References
https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/heartburn-what-you-need-to-know