1. Feeling the Burn Is a Bad Sign
Heartburn is a burning sensation felt behind the lower breastbone. The pain can also spread to the throat, face and neck. Also known as acid indigestion, heartburn leads to acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux. Stress, eating a high-fat meal and lying down after eating are among some of the culprits of heartburn. Symptoms include chest pain, sore throat, coughing, hoarseness and trouble swallowing. You may also experience regurgitation, or the feeling of food or liquid entering the throat or mouth. A bitter or acidic taste in the mouth is another indicator of heartburn.
2. Get a Gut Check
A gastroenterologist diagnoses heartburn based on your symptoms and medical history. If heartburn is a persistent problem and over-the-counter medicines don't help, then they use tests to determine its seriousness and whether there's esophageal damage. With the Upper GI Series, the patient drinks a special barium liquid that coats the stomach and the esophagus. Afterward, they take X-rays to check for any reflux or ulcerations. The Upper GI Endoscopy is another test that inspects the lining of the esophagus and stomach for any damage. The doctor sedates the patient and then he places a thin, flexible tube through to test the stomach and esophagus. Long-term, severe heartburn can result in esophagitis, or inflammation that causes ulcers or bleeding. Barrett's esophagus is another complication that causes cell changes in the esophageal lining. Both conditions increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
3. Other Tests Monitor Gastrointestinal Functioning
The gastroenterologist measures the functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter that leads to the esophagus, as well as esophageal muscle function. The Esophageal Manometry test uses another specialized tube to test appropriate muscle functioning. Medical attention is necessary if the lower esophageal sphincter opens or doesn't appropriately close, causing food contents from the stomach to leak into the esophagus. This leakage results in the esophagus being burned by acid, or heartburn. During the 24-hour pH monitoring test, a thinner tube is placed inside the bottom of the esophagus to detect acid reflux. The patient continues his or her normal daily routine while testing continues for 24 hours. After this test, the doctor compares the symptoms mentioned by the patient with the levels of acid reflux in the esophagus.
4. Take Care of Yourself to Avoid Complications
Over-the-counter antacids treat mild forms of heartburn because they neutralize stomach acid to prevent early symptoms. Prescription medications block stomach acid output for several hours and improve stomach emptying so you avoid reflux. You also must take steps to control heartburn. Wait for more than 3 hours after eating before going to bed, eat smaller meals throughout the day and avoid triggers such as chocolate, greasy foods, caffeine, alcohol, condiments such as vinegar and mustard, and mint products such as spearmint.
