Indigestion During the Holidays: How to Find Relief
Love the holidays but not the indigestion that comes with them? We have solutions if all those holiday feasts are leaving you feeling uncomfortable.
Is Your Heartburn a Sign of Something More Serious?
Heartburn (acid reflux) is one of the most common digestive complaints. In many cases, it’s a temporary response to overindulgence, elevated stress, or specific foods and spices your stomach would rather avoid.
Board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Prem Chattoo and his team at Hudson River Gastroenterology diagnose and treat conditions that affect your digestive system. Heartburn is one of their specialties.
Here’s more from the team about heartburn and underlying conditions that could be driving symptoms that need a doctor’s care.
Is your heartburn a sign of something more serious?
Heartburn happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and a burning sensation. Occasional discomfort is normal, especially after eating spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.
We call these infrequent bouts of heartburn acid reflux, named for the caustic stomach acids that reflux (backwash) into the esophagus. Over-the-counter antacids and avoiding large, fatty, or spicy meals can usually control these symptoms.
However, when heartburn becomes a regular part of your week or your day, it may be signaling something deeper.
Underlying conditions that can cause heartburn
Several digestive conditions can cause burning discomfort in the esophagus and chest area, including:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD is one of the most common causes of persistent heartburn. Unlike occasional acid reflux, GERD is a chronic condition that can damage the lining of your esophagus over time.
If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, wake up at night with burning pain, or rely on over-the-counter antacids daily, GERD might be the culprit.
Hiatal hernia
A hiatal hernia is another condition linked to chronic heartburn. It occurs when the stomach bulges upward through a weakened area of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscular barrier that separates the abdominal cavity from the chest cavity.
While many people with a hiatal hernia have no symptoms, others experience increased reflux, chest discomfort or pressure, frequent burping, and difficulty swallowing.
Esophagitis
Esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, is another possible cause of severe or persistent heartburn. It can occur if you have frequent acid reflux,take certain medications, or have food allergies. Left untreated, esophagitis can lead to ulcers or scarring, making swallowing painful or difficult.
Barrett’s esophagus
Although rare, persistent heartburn can sometimes indicate Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition caused by long-term acid exposure.
While the progression to cancer is uncommon, early detection is crucial because symptoms often mimic those of simple reflux. You may require regular screening for Barrett’s if you’ve experienced chronic GERD for several years.
Warning signs and symptoms
Knowing when heartburn needs a medical evaluation comes down to recognizing warning signs. Seek our care if you notice:
- Heartburn two or more times a week
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent burping or regurgitation of stomach contents
- Heartburn that frequently develops as you’re sleeping
- Increased sensitivity and heartburn with a variety of foods
- Persistent difficulty swallowing
More serious symptoms, such as vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, and chest pain, require prompt medical attention.
Notably, chest discomfort accompanied by dizziness, nausea, cold sweats, and increasing anxiety are classic signs of a heart attack and sometimes mistaken for digestive concerns. Seek emergency care if you develop any of these symptoms.
Treating chronic heartburn
Many cases of chronic heartburn can be managed with lifestyle changes. Eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and elevating the head of your bed can significantly reduce symptoms.
In some cases, medication or minimally invasive medical procedures may be necessary to control acid reflux and reduce or eliminate symptoms.
If you’re struggling with frequent heartburn, schedule a visit with Dr. Prem Chattoo in NYC today. Call one of our conveniently located offices or request an appointment online.
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