Occasional Heartburn
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 heartburn occurs on a regular basis, the acid that causes heartburn has the potential to injure the lining of the esophagus. It can cause ulceration, which may cause discomfort or even bleeding.
- Heartburn and GERD
- For occasional heartburn or flare-ups that occur after a heavy meal, try an antacid, such as Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, or Tums, or an over-the-counter H2 blocker, such as famotidine (Pepcid AC).
- While nearly half of American adults have occasional heartburn, only about one in five develops persistent heartburn, regurgitation or other symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Still, GERD is the most common upper gastrointestinal disease in the Western world, according to a 2012 review in the “World Journal of.
- Occasional heartburn can often be treated effectively with over-the-counter medications and tends to cause no lasting damage. Over time, though, chronic heartburn can destroy your esophagus and exacerbate bleeding, promote difficulty swallowing or increase inflammation.
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. Heartburn 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 heartburn 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 heartburn occurs on a regular basis, the acid that causes heartburn has the potential to injure the lining of the esophagus. It can cause ulceration, which may cause discomfort or even bleeding.
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 appropriate to treat heartburn?
Best Antacid For Occasional Heartburn
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.
Occasional Heartburn Relief
Over-the-counter preparations provide only temporary symptom relief. They do not prevent 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.
Is Occasional Heartburn Normal
Adapted from IFFGD Publication: GERD Questions and Answers. Revised 2010 by Ronnie Fass, MD, Chair, Division of GI and Hepatology, Metro Health Medical Center, Cleveland, OH. Original Contributors: Joel E. Richter, MD, Philip O. Katz, MD, and J. Patrick Waring, M.D. Editor: William F. Norton, International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Milwaukee, WI.