Isn’t Heartburn Just for Old People? Debunking 6 Myths About Reflux

As we’ve discussed in previous blogs, GERD, acid reflux, and heartburn are all similar, but slightly different. These odd distinctions lead to the development of many myths. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular myths including ones about foods that cause reflux. These myths will also have us discussing some of the signs of silent reflux and some reflux medication side effects. All of these topics are intertwined, and many myths that surround heartburn also include these concepts.

Six Reflux Myths We Hear All the Time

Myth #1: Heartburn Is an Indication of Heart Problems

Contrary to what the name suggests, heartburn actually has nothing to do with the heart. The sensation of heartburn (which is a symptom, not the condition, by the way) can feel much like a heart attack for patients who are experiencing it for the first time. The only thing that links these two conditions together is a shared risk factor: obesity.

Myth #2: Medication Is the Best Treatment for Heartburn

For short-term use, medication works great for some people - for example, pregnant patients who have only experienced heartburn near the end of their pregnancy. However, for other patients who struggle with chronic symptoms, medication is simply a “bandage” and shouldn’t be considered a true treatment. The best treatments for GERD are reflux surgeries that address the underlying cause: a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Furthermore, long-term use of medications like PPIs, H2 blockers, and antacids can cause complications like nutrient deficiencies, pneumonia, and more. These reflux medication side effects are what generally dissuade doctors from prescribing these as a long-term treatment plan.

Myth #3: Acid Reflux Only Happens to Older People

Unfortunately, this simply isn’t true. While older patients may seem to complain of heartburn more often, heartburn is mainly caused by lifestyle choices and the weakening of the LES. Both of these factors can occur in a patient of any age.

Myth #4: Heartburn Is a Reaction to Spicy Food

Now, patients often assume spicy foods are the root problem because they are one of the foods that cause reflux. For patients with heartburn, the reflux of capsaicin (the tiny molecule responsible for a spicy food’s “heat”) into the esophagus can also cause much stronger pains and intense burning. Some patients find that spicy foods are a trigger for them, but spicy food itself is not the main cause of heartburn.

Myth #5: If You Don’t Have Heartburn, You Can’t Have Reflux

There is a special subset of reflux disorders called silent reflux or LPR. This condition is caused by a weakened LES that allows enzymes in the stomach to reflux up into the esophagus. Much like acid, this enzyme, pepsin, can cause equal amounts of damage to the esophagus. This damage causes some of the signs of silent reflux, like hoarseness, cough, and discomfort when swallowing.

Myth #6: Heartburn Will Go Away Completely After You Give Birth

Heartburn and pregnancy, unfortunately, go together like peanut butter and jelly. For some women, the relief of pressure upon the LES that comes with giving birth relieves their heartburn symptoms. However, permanent stretching of the LES can also occur throughout gestation; these women tend to struggle with acid reflux for the rest of their lives.

Myth #7: Reflux Isn’t That Serious, Keep Popping Tums

Much like masking a nicotine addiction with nicotine gum, continual ingestion of antacids and acid-producing cell blockers merely masks the underlying issue that patients with GERD have: a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When left untreated, GERD can cause very serious complications, like esophageal cancer.

The Actual Cure for GERD and Acid Reflux Sufferers:

Given that the reflux medication side effects can be serious and that, when left untreated, GERD can lead to even more serious complications, patients are often left wondering what their other options are. Luckily, several reflux surgeries can relieve you of your symptoms for good. For more information about these procedures or to schedule an appointment with one of our reflux specialists, get in touch with the team at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center today!