Learning to manage heartburn and acid indigestion (reflux).

Take this quick quiz by checking all that apply to you:

* I am white.

* I am overweight.

* I drink alcohol.

* I am over the age of 40.

* I smoke.

* I am male.

* I often take antacids.

If you checked one or more of the above descriptions, you have an increased chance of being among the almost 30% of the US population that suffers with heartburn or acid indigestion at least once a week. While occasional heartburn can cause discomfort, when it is a symptom of a more serious disease called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), this discomfort becomes increasingly painful and life debilitating. Gastroesophageal reflux is a backflow of acid from the stomach into the throat or esophagus. This acid can irritate and sometimes damage the delicate lining on the inside of the esophagus. Anyone can suffer from this condition, even children, but there is an increased chance among those people who fit into any of the above categories.

Only half of those people who suffer with frequent heartburn or acid reflux will visit a doctor; however, it is important to know if these are symptoms of GERD. There are many options available to help ease the symptoms of this often troublesome disease. First, patients should talk to their physician about the causes of GERD and how lifestyle changes may help reduce the symptoms. Additionally, there are several medications and treatment options available that your doctor could recommend or prescribe.

What Can You Do?

Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Many people can avoid the common problems that disturb normal eating, sleeping, and working patterns by following the above suggestions and working with their primary care physician to find a treatment option that is best for them.

** Avoid eating fatty or spicy foods.

** Don't smoke.

** Limit alcohol consumption.

** Avoid drinking hot beverages.

** Avoid lying down after meals.

** Before taking over-the-counter antacids, talk to a physician.

Taken in part from "Reflux, Dyspepsia and Disorders of the Foregut." By Drs. Alan C. Moss and Ciaran P. Kelly. Southern Medical Journal. March 2007.

RELATED ARTICLE

Question: Why Does My Stomach Always Hurt?

Answer: Dyspepsia is a condition associated with recurrent stomach pain or discomfort. Many people with heartburn or reflux also have dyspepsia, but this is not always the case. The cause of dyspepsia can be difficult to determine, but the pain should not be ignored. You should visit your doctor so that tests can determine the cause (sometimes an easily treatable bacterial infection), and he or she can determine what treatment options are available. Occasionally, dyspepsia can be a more serious medical condition that requires urgent attention. You should promptly see your physician if you experience unintentional weight loss, vomiting, bleeding, and/or difficulty swallowing, in association with frequent stomach pain.

Bridget Garland, MA