The Potential Dangers Of Heartburn

I want to share some information with you that affected someone very close to the East Meets West family and this is regarding heartburn. About half of American adults suffer at least one heartburn attack a month Millions get it weekly or even daily but few of us take it seriously this is a mistake chronic heartburn more than one episode a week can permanently damage tissue in the esophagus throat and Airways if untreated heartburn can increase the risk of asthma bronchitis pneumonia and even cancer.

What Causes Heartburn

The lower is esophageal sphincter a ring like muscle normally prevents harsh stomach acids from rising into the esophagus the tube it carries food from the mouth to the stomach and some people the muscle relaxes at the wrong times or is weaker than it should be stomach acid splash back into the unprotected esophagus causing a chemical burn most attacks last a few minutes but some can persist for hours.

This condition gastroesophageal reflux disease or also called GERD isn’t merely uncomfortable exposure to acids can damage and scar the esophagus making it difficult to swallow. Cell damage from acids eventually can cause esophageal cancer. Cell damage can eventually cause a tumor in the esophagus causing a stricture and making it difficult to swallow as the passageway is reduced and in some cases the tumor can become cancerous as it did to someone close to us.

When the tumor becomes cancerous and grows, then only Chemotherapy and Radiation will kill the cancer and shrink the tumor leaving heavy scar tissue which in turn allows the stricture to remain and swallowing more difficult. Most doctors will advise you to get an esophagectomy,this where they remove part of the esophagus and part of the stomach then reattach them. If the patient decides against this, then there is another option discussed below.

There is an Endoscopic procedure called Dilation, where a small long deflated balloon type device with a magnified camera is inserted into the esophagus at the point of the stricture and slowly inflated for several minutes or until micro tears appear.

When the micro tears appear the balloon is deflated, this process is designed to break up the scar tissue allowing the esophagus to be enlarged slightly.This procedure most likely will be needed to be done several times usually in 4-6 week intervals

Unfortunately even with this procedure, swallowing will never be the same. So to prevent this, pay attention if you get heartburn.

Heartburn can strike anyone but you’re more likely to get it if you’re overweight, the extra pounds put more pressure on the stomach and diaphragm forcing stomach acids into the esophagus. Also eating large meals slows the emptying of the stomach as does a diet in high fat, stress too can aggravate heartburn.

Important

The symptoms of heartburn and heart attack can be similar call your doctor immediately If you experience chest pain or heartburn that’s accompanied by other symptoms such as pain in the shoulders neck or arms shortness of breath and or a cold sweat

Medications

Most types of heartburn can be controlled or eliminated over-the-counter drugs can be effective but if systems persist or if you have a chronic heartburn see a doctor.

Antacids

They are best if you get heartburn only occasionally after large meals for example. Antacids usually work within 20 minutes and are unlikely to cause side effects when used in moderation. Follow the label instructions and choose a product that contains both magnesium and calcium such as Rolaids. Antacids that contain only calcium can cause constipation or magnesium only antacids can cause diarrhea combine the two and one tablet are looking for prevents both side effects.

Warning

Don’t depend on an acids if you get heartburn more than twice a week taking them frequently can disrupt your body’s normal chemistry this condition milk Alkali syndrome increases the risk of kidney damage also pregnant women should not take medications containing magnesium.

H2 blockers

Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) Famotidine (Pepcid AC) Ranitidine  (Zantac 75) and other over-the-counter drugs in this class inhibit acid production in the stomach and can prevent heartburn for up to 10 hours. They’re good choice if your heartburn tends to return when antacids tend to wear off.

H2 blockers take up to 1 hour to work so it’s best to take them before meals, speak to your doctor before taking any medication. These drugs are also available in stronger prescription strengths and usually are taken twice a day if you have chronic heartburn. there is also an OTC drug called Pepcid Complete which combines an H2 blocker with an antacid the antacid provides immediate relief and these two blocker gives longer lasting protection.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Only about half of people who take H2 blockers get complete relief. A more effective and more expensive alternative is a PPI. These prescription drugs such as Omeprazole which is Prilosec and landsoprazole which is Prevacid lower levels of stomach acids by inhibiting activity of acid producing cells.

About 90% of people who take these drugs get complete or near complete relief, PPIs are taken daily and can take up to 3 days to work. they’re a good preventive approach but they won’t stop an attack that is underway. You can take antacids while waiting for the PPIs to kick in.

Doctors prescribe PPIs when the less expensive H2 blockers don’t work PPIs can cost more than $3.00 per pill over-the-counter H2 blockers cost about 50 cents each. Insurance providers usually insist that patients try H2 blockers first and only cover PPIs if H2 blockers fail.

Some people eventually stop needing the medicine, the heartburn simply disappears, other patients take the medication for the rest of their lives, other patients usually stop taking the medication after 8 to 12 weeks to see if symptoms come back.

Lifestyle Approaches

whether you get Heartburn occasionally or every day, you can reduce discomfort and possibly the need for medication with simple lifestyle changes, sleep on your left side only, this position makes it harder for stomach acid to enter the esophagus, elevate your body when sleeping by putting a 6-in wood block under your head of your bed, gravity helps keep acid from leaving the stomach you can also try a wedge pillow which raises the upper half of the body while you sleep.

Wedges are available at medical supply stores for about $40.00. Eat five or six small meals a day instead of three or four large ones, don’t eat within 3 hours of going to bed, laying down after eating makes it easier for acids to flow into the esophagus. Eliminate heartburn triggers, chocolate, mints, onions, garlic, alcohol, caffeine and fried or fatty foods can cause heartburn, contrary to popular belief spicy foods don’t seem to cause heartburn. Don’t wear tight clothes that put pressure on your waist lose weight if you need to, if you smoke quit, smoking reduces the effectiveness of the esophagus muscle.

This information was brought to you in part by Dr Anil Manocha MD professor of medicine and director of division of digestive diseases at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.