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Is Persistent Heartburn a Sign of GERD? What Your Symptoms Are Telling You

Stoneleigh Medical Group Blog Is Persistent Heartburn a Sign of GERD? What Your Symptoms Are Telling You
Is Persistent Heartburn a Sign of GERD? What Your Symptoms Are Telling You

Occasional heartburn after a spicy meal or large dinner is common and usually isn’t a cause for concern. But if you have heartburn several times a week, wake up with a burning sensation in your chest, or frequently rely on antacids for relief, you may have a more chronic and serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 

Persistent heartburn is one of the hallmark symptoms of GERD. Understanding the difference between occasional acid reflux and GERD can help you recognize when it’s time to seek medical care and protect your long-term digestive health.

At Stoneleigh Medical Group in Carmel, Brewster, Pawling, and Jefferson Valley, New York, our gastroenterologists and primary care doctors diagnose and treat both acid reflux and GERD. 

Here’s what you need to know about persistent heartburn and what your symptoms are telling you. 

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the upper part of your chest that occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Although the discomfort can feel similar to heart-related chest pain, heartburn starts in the digestive tract.

Many people experience heartburn occasionally after eating large meals or foods that are spicy, acidic, or high in fat. Symptoms usually improve within a few hours. 

When does heartburn become GERD?

Having heartburn from time to time isn’t a serious medical concern. However, if your heartburn is persistent and occurs several days each week, then you may have GERD, a chronic digestive condition.

With GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter—the muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus—either doesn’t close properly or relaxes when it shouldn’t. As a result, stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus.

Over time, repeated exposure to stomach acid can damage the lining of the esophagus and lead to more serious health problems.

Symptoms of GERD

Heartburn and regurgitation are the most common symptoms of GERD. Other symptoms include:

Though GERD is a common cause of chest pain, you shouldn’t ignore it. If you have chest pain, especially if it’s severe or accompanied by shortness of breath, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for an evaluation. Your symptoms may indicate you’re having a heart attack. 

Causes and complications of GERD

Obesity, pregnancy, and smoking are common risk factors for GERD. Obesity and pregnancy place extra pressure on the stomach and digestive tract, affecting esophageal sphincter function. 

Nicotine in cigarettes and tobacco products weakens the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to more easily escape. 

When left untreated, GERD can damage the esophagus, leading to other conditions such as:

Barrett’s esophagus is a precancerous condition that increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment of GERD can help reduce the risk of these complications. 

Treatment for GERD

Treatment for persistent heartburn often includes a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Getting to a healthy weight and quitting smoking can ease your GERD symptoms. You may also experience less burning in the chest if you raise your head with pillows while sleeping. 

Eating a balanced diet and avoiding foods that aggravate reflux, such as acidic, spicy, or fatty foods, may also help with symptom management. 

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may also benefit from medications such as: 

Antacids

Antacids are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that reduce stomach acid to relieve symptoms. We may recommend antacids if your symptoms are mild. 

H2 blockers

H2 blockers are available OTC or by prescription, and they lower acid levels in your stomach. These medications provide longer-lasting relief than antacids and may help heal mild esophageal irritation.

Proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)

PPIs are the most effective medications for reducing stomach acid production. Available OTC or by prescription, they provide longer-lasting symptom relief than H2 blockers and are often recommended for healing inflammation and damage caused by GERD. 

Occasional heartburn isn’t a major health concern and can be managed with lifestyle changes and OTC medications, but frequent heartburn may indicate GERD. Left untreated, GERD can damage the esophagus and increase your risk of serious complications.

Our primary care and gastroenterology teams work together to help you get the right diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. If your heartburn is a recurring problem, it’s time to make an appointment. Call us today or request an appointment online. 

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