Medical Minute: How to treat Heartburn

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid used for digestion repeatedly backs up, or refluxes, into the esophagus. GERD is also known as acid reflux disease. Heartburn, often described as pain or burning in the chest, is a common symptom of GERD.

WHAT CAUSES GERD?

When you eat, millions of tiny pumps in your stomach produce the acid that helps you digest food.

A valve called the LES (lower esophageal sphincter)— opens between your esophagus and stomach to allow food and liquids to enter the stomach.

If the valve doesn't close all the way, or if it opens too often, stomach acid can move up into your esophagus and cause these symptoms:

• Persistent heartburn
• Stomach acid rising
• Sour taste in the mouth
• Burning in the throat
• Pain or burning in the chest
• Burping

With continued exposure to stomach acid, the esophagus may become irritated and possibly even damaged, a condition known as erosive esophagitis.

Can GERD be a chronic disease?

Since heartburn and other symptoms of GERD affect different people in different ways, it's important to talk to your doctor. Only your doctor can diagnose GERD and determine if there is any damage (erosions) to your esophagus.

Tools you can use to help fight heartburn

Tracking symptoms. Keeping current with refills as directed by your doctor. Remembering to take your medication. They're all important parts of managing GERD effectively. And these handy tools can help. 

Besides eliminating garlic breath, chewing gum after a meal might have other advantages, research suggests. Old wives' tales will tell you the best way to beat heartburn is with a little sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Although research is limited, licorice could ease heartburn and get to the source of the problem, says Susan Blum, MD, founder and director of the Blum Center for Health in Rye Brook, N.Y. Aloe, a plant usually used to soothe burns, could do the same thing for stomachs, says Victor Sierpina MD, professor of integrative and family medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch, in Galveston, and author of The Healthy Gut Workbook. 

Despite limited research, slippery elm has been used in herbal remedies for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses, including GERD symptoms. This tree extract thickens the layer of mucous lining the stomach, says Dr. Blum, creating a stronger barrier against acid. More than 60 million people get heartburn at least once a month. Sometimes the cause--say a chilidog--is obvious. Here are some less obvious heartburn triggers, including fish oil supplements, peppermint, and prescription medications.