Heartburn: More Than Mere Nuisance

Heartburn interferes with daily life for millions of Americans and can cause other health problems if it persists.

The Early Show medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay

Normally, the valve that separates the esophagus and stomach prevents acid from entering the esophagus.

But when stomach acid gets into the esophagus, it can cause the familiar burning sensation in the chest known as heartburn.

It usually occurs after eating, and can last anywhere from few minutes to a few hours.

It can also cause other symptoms, such as burning or tickling in the throat, a sour taste at the back of the throat, difficulty swallowing, or a feeling that food is getting stuck in the throat or chest.

Occasional heartburn is common and generally not considered serious.

But, warns Senay, chronic acid reflux over time can cause inflammation of the esophagus, or even damage to the lining of the esophagus, and can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

Patients with acid reflux who suffer at night often say the symptoms interfere with a good night's sleep.

A new study announced at the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology shows that, even with no outward symptoms, acid reflux during the night can cause poor sleep and sleep apnea, in which breathing is interrupted.

Another study found that symptoms of acid reflux are common, and frequently severe, in patients with sleep apnea.

Still, says Senay, there are strategies you can use to reduce the chances of getting acid reflux.

For instance, you can maintain a healthy weight, eat slowly and consume smaller portions of food, limit foods that trigger heartburn such as fatty and acidic foods, avoid bedtime snacks, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and don't smoke.

Certain foods, including fatty foods, as well as alcohol and smoking, can relax the valve between the stomach and esophagus to enable acid to pass through. To physically prevent acid from escaping the stomach, avoid restrictive clothing that's tight around the stomach, don't lie down soon after eating and elevate the head of your bed by six inches to help gravity to keep acid down.

Heartburn treatments include over-the-counter medicines, such as antacids, that neutralize stomach acid, and other over-the-counter and prescription drugs that reduce the production of stomach acid.

Make sure you talk to your doctor about your options and read the instructions carefully before using them.

There are also surgical options to repair leaky valves and hernias that contribute to acid reflux.

Senay advises that you seek medical attention if treatments don't work or heartburn symptoms become more severe or frequent, swallowing becomes difficult or painful, or symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bleeding or drastic weight loss.