Did you know that some people are more susceptible to heartburn than others? There are a wide variety of factors that can trigger this uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest, including many of our favorite foods.
While we may at first feel very satisfied and satiated, the heartburn can sneak up on us with seemingly no warning at all. Here are 5 things our Beverly Hills gastroenterologist wants you to know about heartburn.
GERD, otherwise known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, often leads to regular occurrences of heartburn. GERD can also include the additional negative symptom of a sour taste in the back of the throat. For those who constantly feel heartburn, you may want to seek the advice of your family physician to pinpoint the possible causes. Persistent heartburn can actually lead to all sorts of other harmful medical conditions, including bleeding or inflammation of the esophagus or even difficulty in swallowing.
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Heartburn can be caused by acidic foods.
Heartburn is a result of excess stomach acids flowing up through the esophagus. This means that we are far more likely to get heartburn when we eat highly acidic foods, such as oranges, grapefruits, sodas, alcohol, coffee, tomatoes, and even spaghetti sauce, chocolate, and peppermints. Heartburn is also far more likely if we immediately lie down after eating.
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Heartburn can be a symptom of a hiatal hernia.
A hiatal hernia can happen to both men and women of any age. It is a medical condition in which the stomach pushes upward into the chest area and above the diaphragm. The diaphragm is what usually keeps the stomach acids from rising up the esophagus. Since the two organs have now effectively changed places, heartburn is much more likely to occur.
- Heartburn is more common in people with certain lifestyles.
Our Beverly Hills gastroenterologist has found that those who wear tight-fitting pants are far more likely to develop heartburn than those who wear loose fitting clothing. The constricted lower region can cause the stomach acids to back up through the esophagus. Those who overeat, smoke, pregnant women, and those who are overweight will experience heartburn more often.
- Heartburn can be a side effect of certain medications.
Many patients are completely unaware that their medications may be causing this uncomfortable feeling. In fact, many types of medications can lead to persistent heartburn, including several forms of antidepressants, certain bronchodilators and asthma medications, some brands of beta blockers and high blood pressure medicines, anti-inflammatories, progestin, certain sedatives, and many medications used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
A quick fix for a heartburn flare-up is to take a few antacid tablets. But beware. Frequent doses of antacid tablets can eventually lead to digestive problems, including diarrhea and constipation.
About Gi Doctor
Beverly Hills gastroenterologist Dr. Peyton’s priority is for all of his patients to be satisfied and comfortable. He is one of the most highly skilled colonoscopy doctors in the Greater Los Angeles area and is available for appointments here. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
