Do you ever feel like there’s something stuck in your throat while eating or just before bedtime? If so, you might be familiar with heartburn. While occasional heartburn is common, experiencing it regularly could indicate chronic heartburn. In India, 15.6% of the population suffers from GERD, a type of heartburn that demands medical attention. Chronic heartburn can significantly disrupt daily life and, if left untreated, may lead to serious health complications, as highlighted by a renowned gastro surgeon in Bangalore Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about chronic heartburn, including its symptoms, causes, and effective treatments to help you find relief.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Chronic Heartburn?

Chronic heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating. Common symptoms include:

• Burning sensation in the chest, frequently after eating or when lying down.
• Sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid.
• Difficulty swallowing or the feeling of food being stuck in the throat.
• Habitual cough or hoarseness, especially in the morning.

These symptoms can be categorized from mild to austere and generally last for weeks or months, significantly affecting your quality of life.

What Makes Heartburn Worse?

Several factors can trigger or worsen chronic heartburn. Understanding these can help you avoid unnecessary discomfort:

• Certain foods: Spicy dishes, citrus, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty or fried foods.
• Large meals: Especially before bedtime.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption: Both weaken the esophageal sphincter.
• Being fat: Excess body weight increases pressure on the stomach.
• Stress: Can contribute to boosted stomach acid production.

Making small adjustments to your lifestyle can play a significant part in managing heartburn effectively.

How is it Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically starts with a visit to your doctor, who will review your symptoms and medical history. They may recommend some tests, including:

• Endoscopy: A thin pipe with a camera is utilized to view the esophagus and check for damage.
• pH monitoring: This measures acid levels in the esophagus over 24 hours.
• X-rays or barium swallow: A special liquid helps punctuate abnormalities in your digestive tract.

Getting a proper diagnosis is pivotal to preventing long-term damage to your esophagus.

What Are the Treatment Options for Chronic Heartburn?

Managing chronic heartburn effectively depends on the severity of your symptoms. According to Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi, a GERD specialist in Bangalore, treatment generally involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medicines, and, in hard cases, surgery:

• Lifestyle changes: Eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, and elevating the head during sleep.
• Medications: Over-the-counter antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors( PPIs) can reduce stomach acid and give relief.
• Prescription medicines: Stronger performances of PPIs or prokinetic agents may be required for more persistent symptoms.
• Surgery: In austere cases, when the drug isn’t operative, procedures like fundoplication can toughen the esophageal sphincter and prevent reflux.

Your doctor will help you decide on the best treatment based on your symptoms and lifestyle.

What Are the Potential Complications of Chronic Heartburn?

If left untreated, chronic heartburn can lead to serious complications, including:

• Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus caused by regular acid exposure.
• Barrett’s esophagus: A condition where the cells in the esophageal filling change, boosting the trouble of esophageal cancer.
• Strictures: Narrowing of the esophagus due to scar tissue from acid damage, making swallowing tough.

Addressing heartburn early can help avert these complications and enhance your overall health.

Conclusion:

Chronic heartburn can greatly impact your quality of life, but help is available. Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi, a renowned gastroenterologist, specializes in operative GERD treatment in Bangalore. Don’t let heartburn hold you back—book an appointment today to regain control of your health!