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Heartburn and GERD

What is heartburn?

Most people describe heartburn as a burning sensation in the center of the chest behind the breast bone. It may radiate upward toward the throat. It is usually caused by acid reflux in the esophagus.

The lining of the esophagus is much more sensitive to acid than the stomach, which is why the burning sensation is felt. In people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), persistent heartburn can be painful, can disrupt daily activities, and can awaken a person at night.

Is it dangerous?

Heartburn is a symptom. It is very common; it is estimated that over 44% of adult Americans have heartburn at least once a month. Nevertheless, if it occurs on a regular basis, the acid that causes it has the potential to injure the lining of the esophagus. It can cause ulceration, which may cause discomfort or even bleeding.Heartburn- GERD Pain

Stricture (narrowing of the esophagus caused by acid, which leads to scar formation) can also result from chronic and frequent acidic reflux. People with stricture have difficulty swallowing food.

Severity, frequency, or intensity of symptoms cannot distinguish between patients with or without erosive GERD. However, heartburn that occurs

  • more frequently than once a week,
  • becomes more severe, or
  • occurs at night and wakes a person from sleep,

may be a sign of a more serious condition and consultation with a physician is advised.

Atypical symptoms such as hoarseness, wheezing, chronic cough or non-cardiac chest pain may also need to be evaluated by a physician for GERD as a cause. Even occasional heartburn – if it has occurred for a period of five years or more, or is associated with dysphagia – may signal an association with a more serious condition.

People with longstanding chronic heartburn are at a greater risk for complications including stricture or a potentially pre-cancerous disease that involves a cellular change in the esophagus called Barrett’s esophagus.

When are over-the-counter preparations?

Multiple preparations are available without a prescription to treat occasional heartburn. These include:

      • antacids, which neutralize acid (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide);
      • alginic acids (e.g., Gaviscon, Foamicon), which form a foam barrier to reflux; and
      • low-dose H2 blockers (e.g., Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac, Axid), which reduce acid production – and are available in higher doses by prescription to treat GERD.

These medications are useful to relieve intermittent heartburn, particularly if brought on occasionally by foods or various activities.

Antacids and alginic acids give the most rapid relief. The H2 blockers give more sustained relief and are most useful if taken prior to an activity known to bring on heartburn, like eating spicy foods.

Prilosec OTC, Zegerid OTC, and Prevacid 24HR are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) now available over-the-counter. These are far more powerful than the other medications mentioned above. They are recommended to be taken daily for 14 days. They are not intended to be taken on an as needed basis. If the symptoms are not improved or if they recur after stopping the PPI, one should see a doctor.

Learn More about GERD Treatments

Over-the-counter preparations provide only temporary symptom relief. They do not prevent the recurrence of symptoms or allow an injured esophagus to heal. They should not be taken regularly as a substitute for prescription medicines – they may be hiding a more serious condition. If needed regularly, for more than two weeks, consult a physician for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Adapted from IFFGD Publication: GERD Brochure. Contributors: Joel E. Richter, M.D., F.A.C.P., M.A.C.G., Director, USF Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition; Director, USF Joy McCann Culverhouse Center for Swallowing Disorders; Endowed Chair, Division of Internal Medicine; and Professor, Department of Oncologic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL; Philip O. Katz, M.D., F.A.C.G., Head, Esophageal Testing Laboratory, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA; and J. Patrick Waring, M.D., Attending Physician, Digestive Healthcare of Georgia, Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta, GA.

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IFFGD is a nonprofit education and research organization. Our mission is to inform, assist, and support people affected by gastrointestinal disorders.

Our original content is authored specifically for IFFGD readers, in response to your questions and concerns.

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