Heartburn: Get frequent acid reflux checked by a doctor

Easy heartburnMost people are familiar with this feeling, especially after a heavy, fatty meal and a few glasses of wine. It is usually limited to acid belching and a slight burning sensation behind the breastbone, which disappears on its own after a few hours.

Easy heartburn, especially after a heavy, fatty meal and a few glasses of wine. It is usually limited to acid reflux and a slight burning sensation behind the breastbone, which disappears on its own after a few hours. "But many people suffer from frequent heartburn - with serious consequences. They have to burp more often because small or large amounts of stomach acid get into the esophagus. Since the esophagus is not protected by a resistant mucous layer like the stomach, it is corroded by the stomach acid if the symptoms occur repeatedly. This leads to a painful inflammation of the esophagus, known as reflux esophagitis - which is both the cause and the consequence of heartburn. One in three patients who suffer from heartburn gets caught in this vicious circle and is affected by reflux disease," explains Dr. Reinhold Lunow, internist and medical director of the practice clinic Bornheim, near Cologne and Bonn.

Without treatment, further serious consequences can occur. For example, the backflow of stomach acid (reflux) can reach the windpipe and bronchi, causing chronic coughing or permanent difficulty swallowing. The risk of ulcers, esophageal cancer or laryngeal cancer also increases - this is why people with heartburn are advised to have regular check-ups with an internist.

Heartburn: Stress, nicotine & fat

There are various causes that can lead to heartburn. "In chronic heartburn, the sphincter, which separates the stomach from the esophagus, is often completely relaxed. This means that sufferers often have to burp, and every time they burp, especially when bending over or lying down, acidic stomach contents flow into the lower part of the esophagus," explains Dr. Lunow. A malformation of the esophagus, a stomach ulcer or a hernia can also cause heartburn. Heartburn also occurs more frequently during pregnancy.

In addition to these functional physical causes, various factors can promote heartburn:

• psychological stress
• Smoke,
• zu viel Coffee or carbonic acid, e.g. in energy drinks and cola,
• ice cold,
• fried and deep-fried foods
• spicy foods
• fast, hasty eating
• overweight
• Acetylsalicylic acid (short: ASA) and certain medications against Hypertension, Asthma or allergies increase an existing tendency to heartburn

Heartburn: Light meals without stress relieve acid reflux

Patients with frequent heartburn should definitely Doctor After a comprehensive diagnosis, the doctor can estimate the extent of the reflux and, if necessary, prescribe medication to buffer acid (antacids) or to inhibit acid production (proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 receptor blockers). Over-the-counter pharmacy preparations for heartburn should be taken for a maximum of 14 days. If the symptoms persist, medical examination is urgently recommended.

"Some sufferers find it helpful to keep their upper body elevated when lying down. This can minimize or even prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Losing weight, eating slowly and regular exercise are also important ways to reduce symptoms," recommends the medical director of the Bornheim practice clinic, near Cologne and Bonn.

Provided by: www.internisten-im-netz.de