Almost everyone experiences heartburn at least once in their lives, but did you know more than 40 percent of Americans suffer from heartburn pain at least once a month?
Heartburn is a painful burning feeling just below or behind the breastbone. It happens when stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from your mouth into your stomach.
Heartburn is more likely to occur during pregnancy and many medications can also bring on the pain or make it worse.
The symptoms of heartburn include a burning pain in the chest that happens right after eating or at night. There might also be pain that worsens when lying down or bending over.
Some of the foods and drinks that can trigger heartburn in some people include:
- Spicy foods
- Onions
- Citrus products
- Tomato products
- Fatty or fried foods
- Peppermint
- Chocolate
- Alcohol, carbonated beverages, coffee or other caffeinated beverages
- Large or fatty meals
Heartburn is normal, but frequent heartburn can lead to more serious problems. Schedule an appointment with a doctor if you:
- Experience heartburn more than twice a week.
- Symptoms persist despite use of over-the-counter medications
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Weight loss because of poor apatite
Dr. Randall Meisner, a gastroenterologist for Spectrum Health, can help with heartburn problems.
Dr. Meisner is located on 4100 Lake Drive Southeast, Suite 205 in Grand Rapids. To schedule an appointment, call (616) 267-7414.
