Heartburn and Reflux Disease

Heartburn Basics

• Heartburn is the most common symptom of a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux.
• Heartburn occurs when acid or other stomach contents back up in the esophagus.
• While heartburn is rarely life-threatening, it can greatly reduce your quality of life by affecting your daily activities, your sleep and what you eat.
• Heartburn can typically be controlled through behavior modification and over-the-counter medication, but if symptoms persist or worsen, a gastroenterologist should be consulted for additional tests and to rule out more serious conditions.

GERD?

The muscle (lower esophageal sphincter) located between the esophagus and stomach normally opens after swallowing. This allows food to pass into the stomach. This lower esophageal sphincter muscle then closes quickly to prevent the return (reflux) of food and stomach juices back into the esophagus.

When the lower esophageal sphincter muscle either relaxes inappropriately or is very weak, the acid contents of the stomach can back up, or reflux, into the esophagus. This is called gastro-esophageal reflux and typically produces heartburn, a burning sensation below the sternum where your ribs come together. In addition to heartburn, symptoms may include a persistent sore throat, hoarseness, chronic cough, asthma, heart-like chest pain and a feeling of a lump in the throat. When the acid contents from the stomach regularly back up into the esophagus, chronic GERD can occur.

Several factors influence the occurrence and severity of gastroesophageal reflux and heartburn, including:

• The ability of the lower gastroesophageal sphincter muscle to open and close properly.
• The type and amount of stomach juices that are backed up into the esophagus.
• The clearing action of the esophagus.
• The neutralizing effect of saliva and other factors.

People experience GERD and heartburn in a variety of ways. Heartburn usually begins as a burning pain that starts behind the breastbone and radiates upward to the neck. Often there is a sensation of food coming back into the mouth, accompanied by an acid or bitter taste. Heartburn is sometimes called acid indigestion and usually occurs after meals.

Symptoms

The symptoms of heartburn can include:

• Burning pain behind the breastbone area.
• Burning pain or reflux symptoms that is worse when one is lying down or bending over.

Some people have reflux that damages the lining of the esophagus, but they have no symptoms to alert them that acid injury is occurring.

How Common Is Heartburn?

Although heartburn is common in our society, it is rarely life-threatening. However, heartburn can severely limit daily activities and productivity. With proper understanding of the causes of heartburn and a consistent approach to a treatment program, most people will find relief.

Is Heartburn Caused by Hiatal Hernia?

A hiatal hernia is the pushing up of the stomach into the chest cavity through a hole in the diaphragm.

While heartburn is not caused by hiatal hernia, hernias predispose individuals to heartburn. Chronic heartburn can cause a shortening of the esophagus resulting in hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernias can occur in people of any age and are often found in otherwise healthy people age 50 or older.

Note: Any chest pain or difficulty swallowing requires prompt medical evaluation. Other causes should be considered.

Controlling Heartburn

These recommendations may not apply to all individuals. Patients should keep a diary to help them better manage their symptoms. The listed items are common contributors but do not need to be changed unless proven to worsen symptoms in an individual. Discuss any concerns with your physician.

• Avoid food, beverages and medicines that affect the lower esophageal sphincter muscle action or irritate the lining of the esophagus, such as:
  • Fried or fatty foods.
  • Chocolate.
  • Peppermint.
  • Alcohol.
  • Coffee (decaf too).
  • Carbonated beverages.
  • Ketchup and mustard.
  • Vinegar.
  • Tomato sauce.
  • Citrus fruits or juices.
• Aspirin, anti-inflamatory and pain medications other than acetaminophen.
• Decrease the size of portions at mealtimes. Don’t overeat!
• Eat meals two to three hours before lying down.
• Elevate the head of the bed four to six inches using blocks or telephone books.
• If you are overweight, lose weight.
• Avoid situations that can increase the pressure on the abdomen, as they will cause more reflux. Try simple things like avoiding tight clothing or control top hosiery and body shapers. Less obvious causes include sit-ups, leg-lifts or abdominal crunches.
• Stop smoking, as cigarettes decrease the ability of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle to work properly.

If Symptoms Persist

For occasional heartburn, over-the-counter medicines taken as directed can be helpful in reducing symptoms. If prolonged or frequent use of nonprescription medicines (more than directed on the product) becomes necessary, or if they do not completely control symptoms, a gastroenterologist should be consulted.

People with severe esophageal reflux or heartburn symptoms unresponsive to the measures described above may need a more complete diagnostic evaluation. A variety of tests and procedures are currently used to further evaluate the patient with heartburn.

Endoscopy

A procedure during which a thin flexible tube with a camera and a light at the end is placed into the esophagus so your physician can see the tissue lining.

Biopsy

The removal of a small sample of the tissue lining the esophagus to better determine the causes of underlying disease.

Esophageal manometric studies

Takes pressure measurements of the esophagus, which may be needed to identify critically low pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter muscle and determine other disorders of esophageal muscle function.

Impedance monitoring

This test measures the rate of fluid movements at various points along your esophagus. When used in combination with pH monitoring, impedance monitoring offers your gastroenterologist a fuller picture of ­­ both acid and non-acid reflux episodes. The combined  results are also useful in the evaluation of patients with PPI-resistant typical reflux symptoms, chronic unexplained cough, excessive belching and regurgitation.

pH (acid) monitoring

In difficult-to-diagnose patients, physicians may choose one of two methods to measure pH (acid) levels in the esophagus. In ambulatory nasoesophageal pH monitoring, a tube connected to a recording device is placed through your nose into the esophagus for 24 hours. The test measures reflux during normal everyday activities and regular eating patterns.

A second test replaces the tube with a small wireless transducer temporarily placed at the end of the esophagus. It sends data it collects to a receiver worn on your belt for 24 to 48 hours — again, all while you go about normal, daily activities. At the end of the test, the disposable capsule holding the transducer will pass naturally through your digestive tract.

Surgery

A small number of people with heartburn may need surgery because of severe reflux and poor response to medical treatment plans. Fundoplication is a surgical procedure that reduces reflux. Patients not wanting to take medication to control their symptoms are also candidates for surgery.

Medications Available to Relieve Heartburn Symptoms