Heartburn, Acid Reflux & GERD

Digestive Disorders in Beverly Hills

Heartburn is a common problem among adults. However, many do not fully understand heartburn, acid reflux and GERD – which are all terms to describe the same condition. It is important to understand your symptoms to understand how to manage your heartburn. Heartburn is the backward flow of stomach acid up through the esophagus. Heartburn is incredibly common with almost 15 million Americans experiencing heartburn at least once a day. Many people experience occasional heartburn after a meal.

Symptoms of heartburn include:

• Pressure or burning sensation in the chest
• A bitter or sour taste in the mouth
• Throat or chest pain
• Changes in voice

There are various factors that can contribute to heartburn, including eating spicy foods, fatty foods, acidic foods, or overconsumption. There are many over-the-counter drugs to help with the symptoms of heartburn. If the efficacy of the drugs decreases and dietary changes are not helping, it is best to contact a GI doctor, because heartburn can eventually lead to serious health conditions – including Barrett’s esophagus. For patients with chronic heartburn symptoms, an upper endoscopy (EGD) is necessary to determine the cause of symptoms and to ensure that Barrett’s esophagus has not developed.

If you’re experiencing heartburn, you may need to see a doctor. Contact Center for GI Health today at (310) 657-4444.