Treating Your Heart Burn

Heartburn is an uncomfortable issue to deal with, and it can affect anyone. If you’re tired of living with it, San Diego Gastroenterology Medical Associates in San Diego, CA offer personalized care to help you achieve relief.

Treating Your Heartburn

When you eat, the food travels through the esophagus into the stomach. There is a muscle between the two that opens for food to enter and is designed to close up behind it. Once the food enters the stomach, it is broken down by stomach acid.

Sometimes, the muscle – known as the LES or lower esophageal sphincter – remains open or relaxes after food has passed through to the stomach. This allows the stomach acid to come back up into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation – what we know as heartburn.

In some cases, the LES relaxes or doesn’t close properly due to a specific food, such as citrus fruits or chocolate. In such cases, it typically can be treated with some rest and over-the-counter antacids.

Another common cause of heartburn is lying down too soon after eating. Waiting two to three hours after eating and sleeping slightly upright can help prevent it in such cases.

If, however, you find that your discomfort occurs several times a week, there could be other issues. These can include GERD and a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus. It’s important to seek care at San Diego Gastroenterology Medical Associates San Diego, CA if you are suffering from chronic heartburn to determine a proper diagnosis.

How Can Chronic Heartburn Be Treated?

In many cases, chronic heartburn is due to health and lifestyle factors. For example, being overweight can cause too much pressure on the LES and keep it from closing properly. Smoking, caffeine, and more can also trigger it.

The first step in treatment is determining the underlying cause, be it medical issues, lifestyle factors, or something else entirely. From there, a customized plan of care can be developed, which may include any or a combination of the following.

• Lifestyle adjustments: Steps like exercising, losing weight, changing your diet, and quitting smoking are often the first course of action.
• Medication: PPIs or proton pump inhibitors might be recommended while lifestyle adjustments are taking effect. However, these should not be used long-term unless recommended by your doctor.
• Surgery: If conservative approaches are not providing the necessary results, your gastroenterologist might recommend surgery.

Don’t let heartburn keep causing pain and discomfort. Visit San Diego Gastroenterology Medical Associates in San Diego, CA by calling (619) 291-6064 to schedule an appointment today.