Heartburn Treatment

What Is Heartburn?

The term “heartburn” is often used to describe a variety of digestive problems, but it is actually a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease — or GERD. Individuals who have this condition experience a harsh burning sensation in the area between the ribs or just below the neck. If you’ve experienced heartburn, our extensively trained physician can help you determine if a simple over-the-counter remedy can help you correct this issue, or if surgery may be warranted. We emphasize conservative approaches foremost, and we want to help you enjoy a more comfortable and healthier life.

• Heartburn Causes
• Heartburn Symptoms
• Heartburn Home Remedies
• Preventing Heartburn
• Heartburn Treatments
• Heartburn Diet
• Do I Need Medical Attention for Heartburn?

What Are the Symptoms of Heartburn?

Heartburn feels a bit like what it sounds like, a burning sensation or fiery pain that radiates through the chest and into the throat. GERD occurs when stomach acids reflux or “back up” from the stomach into the esophagus. Stomach acid is very corrosive, so it can cause discomfort and eventually ulcers and other issues if it backs into the esophagus regularly.

What Are the Best Home Remedies for Heartburn?

The immediate and easiest cure for heartburn is a mild dosage of anti-acid (antacid). Whether it is a syrup or in tablet form, the anti-acid is supposed to neutralize the intense effect of heartburn. This results in immediate relief from all the pain and itching in the throat. In addition, the patient does not suffer from the same phenomenon throughout the rest of the day, or during his/her sleep.

Foods to Avoid in Preventing Heartburn

The characteristic feeling of heat, burning, or discomfort below the neck and ribs can be triggered by eating certain types of foods. Meals that often lead to heartburn typically include:

• Tomatoes
• Citrus foods
• Spicy foods
• Fatty and unprocessed foods
• Fried meals
• Chocolate
• Alcohol and carbonated drinks
• Onions

In general, sticking to a healthy low-fat and high-protein diet can help prevent the symptoms of GERD, which usually include heartburn. In contrast, smoking and an unhealthy diet can exacerbate the feeling of heartburn or indigestion. Pain may worsen when you eat close to bedtime, or lie down immediately after eating. Those who are overweight or pregnant typically experience heartburn at a higher rate than those who are within a healthy weight range.

What Heartburn Treatments Are Available if Home Remedies Don’t Work?

Individuals who do not respond well to lifestyle changes or medications or those who continually require medications to control their heartburn symptoms may want to consider a surgical procedure. Surgery is very effective in treating GERD.

Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication

Our extensively trained surgeon, Dr. Hossein Bagshahi, uses the state-of-the-art transoral incisionless fundoplication technique to tighten the valve opening of the stomach to limit acid reflux. This method involves sending instruments through the mouth and esophagus, so no incisions are needed. As a result, patients can often recover faster and do not have to deal with any unsightly scars.

Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication

Bagshahi Bariatric and General Surgery offers access to advanced Nissen fundoplication and other minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures for individuals who suffer from GERD. Our laparoscopic approach to surgery means a smaller incision than open surgery, and robotic-assisted surgery is a more precise surgical technique. Laparoscopy reduces postoperative pain, offers a shortened hospital stay and earlier return to work and activity, and brings improved cosmetic results. Dr. Bagshahi can help you determine if laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery is right for you.

Are There Any Diet Tips to Avoid Heartburn?

Heartburn and GERD are not life threatening. Doctors suggest a mix of exercise and low cholesterol diet to people who suffer from this issue. It is commonly observed that people who maintain a healthy lifestyle and focus on food which consists of low acid do not experience heartburn at all. We advise patients to eat lots of fresh fruits, raw vegetables, and other minimally or unprocessed foods to limit heartburn symptoms.

Do I Need Medical Treatment for Heartburn?

Heartburn is not usually a serious medical condition and simple lifestyle changes — such as a healthier diet and eating at least 2-3 hours before going to sleep — are often all it takes to reduce (or even eliminate) symptoms. That said, some people mistake heartburn for chest pain, which may be a symptom of a heart attack. It’s typically recommended to seek medical attention when: 

• You have trouble swallowing
• You experience heartburn more than a few times a week
• You have experienced concerning weight loss due to difficulty eating
• You have frequent nausea and vomiting

While heartburn doesn’t typically require medical treatment, we encourage you to speak to your primary healthcare provider if you have any of the symptoms above or if non-prescription drugs are ineffective in treating your heartburn.

If you would like to learn more about heartburn treatment, or if you believe you may have GERD, contact our practice to schedule a consultation with our extensively trained doctor.