Why do I experience frequent heartburn?

• Heartburn is a burning sensation that radiates from the upper abdomen to the chest or throat. It's caused by acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, irritating it.
• Those at risk of heartburn include people with unhealthy eating habits, those who are overweight or obese, pregnant women, smokers and alcoholics, those with chronic stress, and those using certain medications, especially NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or muscle relaxants.
• Treatment for heartburn includes lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery.

Many people experience heartburn, which can significantly impact their daily lives. They may wonder, "Why do I experience heartburn so often?" This could be due to acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This bothersome problem can make daily life difficult. Let's explore the causes of heartburn in this article!

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning sensation that spreads from the upper abdomen up to the chest or throat. It is most often caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows back up and irritates the esophagus.

What Causes Heartburn?

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter malfunctions, not closing properly, or relaxes frequently, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. The heartburn can also trigger nerve problems or heart conditions, causing a rapid heartbeat.
• Certain foods, including high-fat, fried, spicy, and sour foods, chocolate, caffeine, and acidic fruits, as well as alcohol and carbonated drinks, can easily trigger acid reflux.
• Eating habits and lifestyle factors include eating too quickly, lying down immediately after a large meal, and smoking (nicotine relaxes the esophageal sphincter).
• Overweight and obesity Excess fat increases pressure on the stomach, pushing more acid back into the esophagus.
• Emotional and health factors Accumulated stress triggers acid secretion, along with hormonal changes and uterine pressure during pregnancy.
• Side effects of medications Certain drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or some blood pressure medications, can affect the digestive system.
• Other health problems A hiatal hernia, where the stomach moves up into the chest, can also cause heartburn. Or having ulcers in the stomach and esophagus.

Who is at risk of heartburn?

• People with unhealthy eating habits, such as eating overly large meals, high-fat foods, fried foods, spicy foods, or chocolate, as well as those who lie down immediately after eating within 2-3 hours.
• People who are overweight or obese, as excess abdominal fat increases pressure on the stomach, making acid reflux more likely.
• Pregnant women, due to increased abdominal pressure from the growing uterus and hormonal changes affecting the digestive system.
• People who smoke and drink alcohol; the chemicals and effects of alcohol weaken and impair the esophageal sphincter.
• People with physical and mental conditions, such as accumulated stress that triggers acid secretion, or patients with specific diseases like diabetes, scleroderma, and hiatal hernia.
• People who use certain medications, especially NSAIDs or muscle relaxants, which may irritate the stomach.

What are some risk factors for heartburn?

• Lying down immediately after eating.
• Eating large meals or eating too quickly. Eating until very full increases pressure in the stomach, while not chewing thoroughly makes the digestive system work harder.
• Regularly consuming fatty foods, fried foods, spicy foods, chocolate, milk, as well as caffeinated drinks, soda, and alcohol.
• Stress stimulates acid secretion, and smoking directly damages the esophageal sphincter.
• Obesity, along with wearing tight clothing around the abdomen, can compress the stomach and cause acid reflux.
• Strenuous exercise, bending over, or lifting heavy objects immediately after eating.

What are some other possible complications?

If heartburn is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications in the digestive system, including esophagitis, esophageal ulcers that may cause vomiting blood or black stools, and esophageal fibrosis leading to difficulty swallowing. Importantly, it can cause precancerous growths in the esophageal lining cells, eventually developing into esophageal cancer. In addition, acid reflux can affect the respiratory and ENT systems. This can cause chronic dry cough, hoarseness, asthma, sore throat, tooth decay, and negatively impact sleep quality.

How to Treat Heartburn

• Lifestyle and behavioral changes can help reduce acid production and prevent acid reflux from damaging the esophagus and larynx. These changes should be maintained consistently to prevent recurrence, even after symptoms improve.
• Medication for heartburn and difficulty breathing often involves antacids and medications to improve gastrointestinal motility. This method is effective quickly and helps control symptoms. It is crucial to take medication regularly as prescribed; do not adjust or stop the dosage yourself. Symptoms may improve within 1-3 months, after which the doctor will gradually reduce the dosage as appropriate.
• Surgical treatment is considered for severe symptoms, those that do not improve with medication, or those who cannot tolerate medication or experience frequent recurrences after stopping medication. This prevents acid reflux into the upper digestive tract.

How to Prevent Heartburn Recurrence

Dietary changes

• Leave at least 3-4 hours between meals and bedtime to allow the stomach time to digest food.
• Size adjustments Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones. Chew your food thoroughly to reduce the burden on your digestive system and pressure on your stomach.
• Avoid certain foods. Reduce consumption of spicy foods, greasy foods, fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, soda, and alcoholic beverages.

Adjust your lifestyle.

• Control your weight and body weight. Lose weight to a healthy range to reduce pressure on your abdomen and avoid wearing overly tight clothing or belts.
• Adjust your sleeping position. Elevate your head on the bed by 6-10 inches instead of using only pillows.
• Take care of your mental health and quit smoking. Manage stress through meditation or yoga and stop smoking.

Monitor and observe your symptoms.

• You can use antacids or heartburn medication initially as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• If symptoms do not improve after 2-3 weeks of lifestyle changes, or if symptoms persist, consult a doctor immediately.

Treat heartburn at Vibhavadi Hospital.

If you frequently experience heartburn that affects your daily life, it may be a sign of a health problem such as acid reflux. Early treatment is possible at Vibhavadi Hospital, where we provide consultations, answer the question "Why do I experience frequent heartburn?", and offer targeted treatment with modern technology. To make eating a pleasant experience

Summary

Heartburn is primarily caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which results from habits such as eating large meals and immediately lying down, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and accumulated stress. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as esophagitis, strictures, or even esophageal cancer. Treatment begins with lifestyle changes such as eating smaller meals, chewing thoroughly, and waiting 3-4 hours before bedtime. Additionally, adjusting sleeping positions with your head elevated and managing stress can help prevent recurrence.

However, if symptoms do not improve within 2-3 weeks, you should see a doctor for a thorough diagnosis. Vibhavadi Hospital offers expert advice, targeted treatment, and state-of-the-art technology to help you achieve good health while enjoying your meals.