Help For Heartburn

About 60 million American suffer from heartburn, also known as acid reflux, at least once a month, and about 15 million have heartburn every day. Dr. Emily Senay dropped by The Early Show to explain it and to suggest ways to cool it down.

"Normally, acid, which we need for digestion, sits inside our stomach, and our stomach is lined to handle the acid," explained Dr. Senay. "But when the acid pushes up into the esophagus through (a) valve, that acid begins to affect the lining of the esophagus, which is not prepared to handle the acid."

The symptoms of heartburn can include a burning sensation, a cough, and sometimes it can mimic heart or chest pain (hence the name "heartburn").

Does heartburn do long-term damage?

"Actually, it can," said Dr. Senay. "That's very important. The cells of the esophagus can be affected. It can cause inflammation and has been linked to a type of cancer."

Anyone who has a chronic problem with heartburn needs to examine what they are eating. Foods that can aggravate the condition include chocolate, peppermint, tomato, citrus, coffee, alcohol and any fatty foods. Overweight people frequently suffer from heartburn. Losing weight also can be a remedy for reflux by relieving pressure on abdominal organs.

But it is not just what you eat; it's how much you eat. Larger portions cause the stomach to produce more acid.

Also, don't eat when it's too close to your bedtime. Finish eating two hours or more before going to bed. If you lie down before you're done digesting, reflux becomes more likely. And when you are in bed, let gravity work for you by keeping your head and shoulders about six inches higher than your feet.

For relief, there are over-the-counter medications. But Dr. Senay added that if you are taking these remedies for two weeks and you are not getting better, it's time to see your doctor. There are prescription medications and new forms of surgery for people who have no other options.

Also, smoking can promote acid reflux, so heartburn is yet another reason to stop smoking.