Heartburn FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About This Pesky Condition
Do you suffer from pesky heartburn? If so, we feel your pain. Heartburn, whether it’s associated with GERD or not, is an uncomfortable thing to struggle with. In this blog, we’ll answer questions like what triggers heartburn the most, what is heartburn, and what are the treatment options for GERD. We hear these and more questions here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center.
What Is Heartburn?
If you suffer from heartburn, you probably already know the answer to this question – at least, you know exactly how it feels. Heartburn is the physical sensation that happens when stomach acid and digesting food refluxes (flows back) into or up into the esophagus. As can be expected, this burns and is very uncomfortable.
How Frequent Is “Normal” Heartburn?
Once or twice per week, especially when associated with a very clear trigger is considered normal for the majority of the US population. This is the type of heartburn that is easily quelled with an antacid or two and doesn’t return after a few hours
How Do I Know If I Have “Too Much” Heartburn?
If you’re experiencing heartburn on a “regular” basis (3+ times per week under seemingly inconsistent circumstances), you might be suffering from something we call gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). You’ll notice that you always have some level of underlying heartburn, but it is exacerbated to inconsolable levels when you partake in the following triggers.
What Triggers Heartburn the Most?
You might know the “big 5” – just from experience: caffeine & chocolate, alcohol, spicy foods, fatty foods, and tomato products. Overeating and tight clothing are also common triggers, and lying down too soon after eating will also complicate things. Some of our patients also have other triggers; listen to your body for what triggers your heartburn and try to avoid those things.
What’s the Difference Between GERD and Heartburn?
As you might have guessed from the above questions, heartburn and GERD aren’t necessarily the same thing. We go into this topic in detail in Heartburn, Reflux, & GERD: Are They All the Same? However, “the long and short of it” is that heartburn itself is a symptom of GERD, but only when it occurs frequently throughout the week. Otherwise, heartburn can be a normal bodily response to overeating or certain foods.
How is GERD Diagnosed?
We have an entire blog dedicated to answering this question, but the short answer is that you should bring your concerns to your general care practitioner first. They will be able to help you rule out GERD based on your symptoms. If you likely have GERD, they may refer you to a reflux specialist.
Keep in mind that your GCP will probably try to prescribe medication first, and we don’t recommend long-term use of these heartburn medications. Go to bat for yourself and ask for a referral if this is what your doctor recommends for you long-term.
What Are the Treatment Options for Heartburn & GERD?
If you only have occasional heartburn, an antacid or two per week isn’t going to pose as much of a problem as if you were popping them like candy. In fact, antacids can be much more harmful than you think: The Dangers and Side Effects of Antacids.
If you find that you need antacids on a regular basis, a better (but not the best) option is to take H2 blockers or PPIs. And, honestly, we don’t recommend that as a long-term solution either: The Problems With Heartburn Medication: PPIs, Antacids, & H2 Blockers. You also have surgical options – these will permanently solve your heartburn woes.
Reflux Surgeries at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center
Here at the Tampa Bay reflux center, our reflux specialists offer three different reflux surgeries for patients who are suffering from GERD. To chat with our doctors about your options, speak with your GCP and ask for a referral to our office; or, contact us directly with your diagnosis. You don’t have to keep suffering.