Heartburn is discomfort or pain that is caused by acid from digesting food moving from the esophagus to the stomach. Typically, heartburn starts in the upper abdomen before moving to the chest and is highlighted by a burning sensation. It generally occurs after eating and may leave a sour taste in your mouth or small amounts of stomach contents regurgitating into the back of your throat. At Alaska Digestive and Liver Disease with offices in Anchorage, Eagle River, and Wasilla, AK our team of medical professionals including Drs. Jeffrey Molloy, Austin Nelson, Martin Kaszubowski, and Daryl McClendon are happy to assist you with any digestive or liver-related issues.
Signs That Your Heartburn Might Be Something More Serious
Generally, heartburn can be treated with antacids, not overeating, and avoiding trigger foods. However, if symptoms fail to improve or worsen, it may indicate that your heartburn is indicative of a larger issue. Knowing when to call a doctor is of paramount importance and below is a brief guide of when you should pick up the phone:
- Increase in Frequency: If you are having heartburn symptoms more than twice a week, you may have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) that can be effectively treated but requires diagnosis and possibly endoscopy by a physician.
- Abdominal Pain: If, in addition to heartburn symptoms, you are also suffering from intense abdominal pain then this could be an indication of a more serious problem such as gastritis or inflammation of the stomach lining.
- Severe Chest Pain: Severe chest pain or intense pressure in conjunction with pain in the neck, back, jaw, or nausea and vomiting is a sign that you may be experiencing a heart attack and should seek medical attention immediately.
Proudly serving the communities of Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer & Mat Su Valley, AK, Alaska Digestive and Liver Disease is your local resource for any digestive ailment. Drs. Molloy, Nelson, Kaszubowski, and McClendon are leading experts in their specialties and can help determine whether your heartburn is actually a sign of a more serious ailment. Take charge of your life and give us a call at (907) 569-1333 to schedule an appointment.