1 in 4 adults in the UK suffer from persistent heartburn so if you or someone you know are one of them please read on.
What exactly is heartburn?
Heartburn, or acid reflux, occurs when the stomach contents flows back and into the oesophagus, the tube that connects the throat and the stomach. As the contents of the stomach is acidic, this is what creates the burning sensation in the chest and throat.
Why does this happen?
It happens when the ring of muscle at the point where the oesophagus and stomach meets, fails to close or relaxes and opens at the wrong time.
This ring of muscle is called the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter (LOS or LES depending on your spelling of oesophagus!) and it should work like a valve, keeping stomach contents where it belongs, in the stomach. But when it is weakened or not working as it should, the irritation and burning sensation that is heartburn will occur.
What are the symptoms?
There are many symptoms that can be associated with heartburn but the most common can include:
Persistent burning sensation- usually behind the breast bone
A feeling that something is stuck in the throat
Sour taste in the mouth
Bad breath
Hoarse voice
Regurgitation – food coming back up into your mouth after eating
Burping
Nausea
What is causing my heartburn?
As with the symptoms, factors that increase the risk of having heartburn are many and again, the most common can be:
Stress and anxiety
Overeating
Eating late at night
Lying flat too soon after a meal
Certain foods and drinks such as alcohol, fatty foods, coffee, chocolate
Being overweight
Medications - please always seek medical advice if you have any concerns
Is there anything I can do about my acid reflux?
Most of us have experienced heartburn at one time or another, maybe after an indulgent meal late at night, and it usually goes away as quickly as it. But if heartburn is becoming persistent, here are some tips for tackling the ‘burning beast!’:
Minimise stress and distractions at meal times - concentrate on your meal and eat slowly
Eat smaller regular meals
Don’t lie down for at least 30 minutes after eating
Identify trigger foods by keeping a food diary.
At night, lie on your left side. The structure of your organs will encourage stomach contents to remain in the stomach.
But heartburn is harmless, isn't it?
If you have any of the symptoms of heartburn persistently, for 3 weeks or more you should seek the advice of your GP. This is because the chronic exposure to stomach acid, known as dyspepsia or GORD (gastro oesophageal reflux disease) can result in damage to the oesophagus causing conditions such as oesophagitis, or Barrett’s Oesophagus which, if left untreated, can develop into oesophageal cancer.
That sounds serious!
It may surprise you to know that a staggering 10% of people suffering with heartburn every week unknowingly have Barrett’s oesophagus – that’s 500,000 people in the UK alone. So if you’re persistently suffering with any or all of the symptoms of heartburn and are regularly reaching for Gaviscon, Rennie or PPI’s (proton pump inhibitors) to self medicate, DONT IGNORE PERSISTENT HEARTBURN - it is not normal and getting to the bottom of why you have it is very important.
We are accredited reflux practitioners, trained to support those who are struggling with heartburn and in the use of PPI medication. If you are currently taking medication for heartburn and feel as though you need extra support with your digestion and general health while taking it, we are here to help. If you are considering removing your PPI, we can, in conjunction with your GP, support you to do this safely and comfortably.
Please get in touch here. We are happy to answer all of your burning questions and discuss how we can make your life more comfortable.
Credits: Heartburn Cancer UK
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