HEARTBURN

A burning feeling in the chest just behind the breastbone that occurs after eating and lasts a few minutes to several hours. Chest pain, especially after bending over, lying down, or eating.

Burning in the throat -- or hot, sour, acidic, or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat.

Difficulty swallowing Feeling of food "sticking" in the middle of the chest or throat.

"When heartburn is not appropriately treated, acid reflux can cause erosion and ulcers in the lining of the esophagus, It's extremely painful and greatly affects the patient's lifestyle".

Long-term acid reflux can cause scarring and narrowing in the esophagus, which can also lead to swallowing difficulties.

GERD
Severe gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD or acid reflux disease, occurs when the LES valve (lower esophageal sphincter valve) opens to let food enter the stomach, but does not close properly. When this happens, stomach acid can go where it doesn't belong (back up the esophagus) and a painful condition called acid reflux occurs. All prescription and many over-the-counter acid reflux medications treat heartburn by significantly suppressing acid production. PPIs (proton pump inhibitors), such as Nexium, are some of the most prescribed medications in the United States. PPIs inhibit hydrochloric acid production and halt the body's ability to form a barrier against yeast overgrowth.

In some cases, chronic acid reflux can also cause a pre-cancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus,. Barrett's esophagus is a result of the chronic acid reflux into the esophagus.

Barrett's esophagus is not a condition to be taken lightly. The goal of treatment is to prevent further damage by stopping any acid reflux from the stomach.

The following lifestyle changes can help prevent or relieve gastric discomfort, depending on your symptoms.

Avoid excessive milk, caffeine, fried, fatty or spicy foods, alcohol, mint, tomatoes, citrus fruit or other acidic foods. Eat small meals; they are easier to digest than large meals. Do not lie down until at least two hours after eating. Do not smoke. Smoking increase the chances of having heartburn and slows the healing of ulcers. Raise the head of your bed about six inches to help reduce heartburn.

Control your weight. Being overweight often worsens symptoms.