Feeling the burn can be a good thing when you’re working out, but if you’re experiencing it after enjoying your favorite foods or holiday treats, or when you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep, it might be time to consider solutions beyond Tums or other over-the-counter medications.
“Heartburn is one of the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD,” says General Surgeon Matthew Broghammer, DO. “It occurs when the valve between your esophagus and stomach isn’t working properly. The valve is there to prevent food or stomach acid from coming back up after you’ve swallowed it down. So, if that valve isn’t working properly, it can result in acid flowing back up into the esophagus.”
Some common heartburn triggers include:
- Eating a big meal
- Eating before bedtime
- Exercises that involve bending over or that put pressure on your stomach (Remember, exercise is important! Just don’t exercise on a full stomach if you’re prone to heartburn.)
- Some medications can also increase your chances of being affected by heartburn.
Foods and drinks that are known to cause heartburn include:
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Carbonated drinks
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Onions and garlic
- Spicy foods
- High-fat foods
GERD is common. About 10% of Americans deal with daily symptoms or take medications to manage the symptoms. But sometimes medications no longer work. And sometimes GERD leads to a more serious condition called Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus can progress to esophageal cancer. That’s one of the reasons it’s so important to consult your doctor or a surgeon for an assessment.
If you’re dealing with heartburn more than a few times a week, or if your symptoms are disrupting your sleep, it’s time to explore your options. Our General Surgeons will discuss nonsurgical and surgical solutions, helping you decide if it’s time to consider a more permanent fix. You deserve to enjoy every bite of those holiday dinners again! To schedule an appointment—no referral needed—call 507.457.7670.
Matthew Broghammer, DO, General Surgeon
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