2000 AGA News Releases
Heartburn Facts
What is heartburn?
Heartburn is the most common symptom of a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux, or acid reflux, or GERD. It usually begins as a burning pain that starts behind the breastbone and radiates upward to the neck. Often there is a sensation of food coming back into the mouth, accompanied by an acid or bitter taste. Heartburn is sometimes called acid indigestion and usually occurs after meals.
How common is heartburn?
Heartburn/GERD is extremely common -- affecting millions of people in the United States. More than 60 million American adults experience heartburn/GERD at least once a month, and about 25 million American adults every day. Symptoms of heartburn are more common among the elderly, and among women during pregnancy.
What is gastroesophageal reflux?
Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition in which the acidic contents of the stomach back up, or reflux, into the esophagus. In addition to heartburn, symptoms may include persistent sore throat, hoarseness, chronic cough, asthma, heart-like chest pain, and a feeling of a lump in the throat. Frequent heartburn (two or more times a week), may be associated with chronic gastroesophageal reflux, and a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
What are the causes of heartburn/GERD?
A muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) located between the esophagus and stomach normally opens after swallowing. This allows food to pass into the stomach. The LES muscle then closes quickly to prevent the return (reflux) of food and stomach juices back into the esophagus. Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter either relaxes inappropriately or is very weak.
What are the complications associated with heartburn/GERD?
Chronic gastroesophageal reflux may result in serious complications. The constant presence of stomach acid in the esophagus may lead to conditions such as erosive esophagitis (an irritation or inflammation of the esophagus), Barrett’s esophagus (a pre-cancerous condition), or ultimately, to esophageal cancer.
What treatments exist for heartburn/GERD?
Infrequent heartburn can often be controlled by lifestyle modifications and proper use of over-the-counter medicines. Some tips to control heartburn:
- Do not lie down for three hours after eating
- Avoid foods, beverages, and medicines that can aggravate heartburn, such as fried or fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, tomato products and alcoholic beverages
- Decrease the size of portions at mealtimes
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing
- Lose weight, if overweight
- Stop or decrease smoking
If over-the-counter treatments and/or lifestyle modifications do not completely control heartburn symptoms, sufferers should see their physician for treatment. Prescription medications to treat chronic heartburn/GERD include:
- H2 Receptor Antagonists: decrease the flow of stomach acid
- Proton Pump Inhibitors: also decrease the flow of stomach acid, but to a greater degre
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