Dr Bryan Betty: Heartburn

What is it? 

• Burning sensation in the lower chest.
• Sometimes with a sour/bitter taste in mouth - often after big meal or lying
• Very mild to severe.
• Can cause you to cough or your voice to become hoarse.
• Lasts minutes or sometimes hours.

  

What causes it? 

• Stomach full of acid to digest food.
• Valve at top of stomach – may be weak and not fully
• The acid in the stomach escapes into oesophagus (tube from the mouth to stomach) and causes a burning sensation. 

  

Can things make it worse? 

• Yes - smoking, alcohol, coffee, citrus fruits which are acidic, tomato, chocolate, spicy foods - the list goes on!
• Lying down after eating, being overweight, and some medicines.

  

How do you diagnose and treat it? 

• Often a careful history will give you the answer.
• Can be serious sometimes and need further investigation: endoscope -  camera in into the stomach to look for ulcers or ‘burning’ oesophagus.
• Sometimes do a test for a bacteria pylori which can make it worse
• Treat with ‘antacids’ which neutralise acid, or medication which stops acid in the  stomach, or if we have the bacteria, antibiotics.
• Can help prevent: being careful what you eat, not eating big meals before bed, losing weight, stop smoking, reduce alcohol.
• If have symptoms see your doctor!

 

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