Most individuals have experienced heartburn at one point or another. It isn’t at all uncommon! In fact, one study found that something like 60 million Americans experience heartburn every year. For most individuals, this heartburn will manifest as little more than an annoyance (maybe a very uncomfortable annoyance, depending on your diet).
But there are some people for whom heartburn is a far bigger deal. Unfortunately, heartburn symptoms are more regular and sometimes even chronic for these people. Because heartburn is usually a rather routine (and self-treatable) healthcare concern, it’s tempting to try to disregard chronic or persistent heartburn.
That can be a very bad idea. Much more severe medical problems can happen if chronic heartburn is left untreated. If you want to find chronic heartburn relief, you’ll want to schedule an appointment to see your doctor.
Why won’t my heartburn go away?
Your stomach is full of acid. But that’s normally a good thing. This acid doesn’t harm you, actually, it supports digestion, helping to break down food (making it easier to digest). In general, this stomach acid won’t ever bother you. That’s thanks to a useful little “valve” in your esophagus (called the lower esophageal sphincter). This valve lets food go down your esophagus but blocks anything from coming back up. (Well, under normal conditions).
Heartburn occurs when (for a variety of reasons) a bit of this stomach acid finds its way up. When acid goes back up past the esophagus it’s called acid reflux. Heartburn normally happens for the majority of individuals after eating certain foods. Your heartburn will usually go away in a short while if it’s a dietary situation.
But what if you’re left wondering, when will my heartburn clear up? Well, if you’re experiencing heartburn twice a week or more, you could be coping with chronic heartburn. The best strategy in situations like this is to consult your doctor.
Heartburn can cause, and be caused by other health issues
How much of a threat is chronic heartburn? Well, it’s not exactly an easy question to answer. It’s more correct to think of heartburn as a symptom. That symptom can cause hazardous complications (and have serious base causes).
It’s probably time to go in to see an ENT if you’re coping with chronic heartburn. Some of the most common problems connected to heartburn include the following:
- Esophageal ulcers: Though fairly common, esophageal ulcers can become quite serious. A hole or sore can form over time from repeated exposure to stomach acid. Ulcers like this can cause significant complications, including scarring and a constricting of the esophagus (making swallowing more hazardous). Bleeding can also be a problem with ulcers. If you suspect you may have ulcers or have chronic heartburn, schedule an appointment with us right away because ulcers should be dealt with in a timely manner.
- Esophagitis: When your esophagus becomes significantly swollen, it’s known as esophagitis. This severe swelling can itself cause considerable pain and discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and other problems.
- Issues with your mouth: Persistent heartburn and reflux can cause sores and lesions to form in your mouth as well as bad breath.
- Barrett’s Esophagus: When regularly exposed to stomach acid (as happens with persistent heartburn), the lining of the lower esophagus becomes damaged. After a while, this results in a condition known as Barrett’s Esophagus. It’s important to keep a close eye on this affliction because it increases your long-term risk of developing esophageal cancer.
The main cause of heartburn is a condition called GERD
When we’re talking about reflux and heartburn, a condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) needs to also be mentioned. GERD is normally the cause of most instances of persistent heartburn and reflux.
When the valve that keeps stomach acid from going up past the esophagus begins to fail or entirely fails, GERD is the outcome. This means that stomach acid (and digesting food) doesn’t always remain where it’s supposed to be. If I had GERD, how would I know? Here are a few of the most common symptoms:
- Trouble swallowing.
- Regurgitation of food (especially when you lay down).
- Chronic heartburn.
- Trouble sleeping.
GERD is often managed in a number of different ways. Excess stomach acid production can sometimes be minimized by medication. For more extreme cases, surgery can help mend or reinforce the failing valve (in some cases all it takes is a little magnetic clamp).
If you think you have GERD, it’s important to talk to us, as chronic heartburn and reflux can lead to substantial complications, and successful treatment of GERD can help lessen those complications.
We can help you manage your symptoms
Everyone gets a little heartburn occasionally, and if they have a particularly demanding diet that’s even more relevant. But you shouldn’t ignore the symptoms of persistent heartburn. Doing so can lead to more significant issues down the road. When you speak with your doctor, you’ll have the opportunity to talk about your heartburn and the best way to find relief from your symptoms.
It’s possible to get peace from heartburn with tried and tested management strategies. Calling us for a consultation is the first step!
References
https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/heartburn-what-you-need-to-know