Heartburn is a common condition that most people experience occasionally, often described as a burning sensation rising from the chest to the throat. It usually occurs after consuming spicy, oily, or heavy meals, prompting many to rely on antacids for quick relief. However, experts warn that frequent or persistent heartburn should never be ignored. According to Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, ongoing heartburn may signal gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus. If left untreated, GERD can cause long-term damage to the oesophageal lining and significantly increase the risk of developing serious complications such as Barrett’s oesophagus and even oesophageal cancer.
Understanding the causes of heartburn and acid reflux
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid escapes from the stomach and travels up into the oesophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. Normally, a muscular valve called the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) keeps the acid from flowing backward. But when this valve becomes weak or relaxes at the wrong time, it allows acid to reflux into the oesophagus.
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This acid reflux irritates the lining of the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation or discomfort that is often mistaken for indigestion. While occasional reflux is not usually harmful, repeated exposure to stomach acid can damage the oesophageal lining, leading to inflammation, ulcers, and tissue changes. Dr Sethi explains that persistent acid reflux can eventually cause a condition called Barrett’s oesophagus. In this condition, the normal cells lining the oesophagus change to resemble those of the intestine due to repeated acid exposure. These changes are considered precancerous, as they can sometimes progress to oesophageal adenocarcinoma; a type of cancer with a high mortality rate if not detected early.
The transformation from simple heartburn to Barrett’s oesophagus and then to cancer does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process that occurs over years, often without noticeable symptoms. This is why Dr Sethi stresses the importance of taking chronic heartburn seriously and seeking medical evaluation if symptoms persist.
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Warning signs of persistent heartburn you should never ignore
Occasional heartburn after a large meal or late-night snack is not uncommon, but when it becomes frequent, it’s time to see a doctor. Dr Sethi advises that anyone experiencing the following symptoms should not delay medical consultation:
These symptoms may indicate damage to the oesophagus or a more serious underlying condition. Early diagnosis can prevent long-term complications and improve treatment outcomes.
Hidden dangers of ignoring chronic heartburn
One of the biggest dangers of chronic heartburn is complacency. Because the symptoms often seem minor, people tend to self-medicate with antacids or other over-the-counter remedies without addressing the root cause. While these medicines can provide temporary relief, they do not prevent acid from flowing back into the oesophagus or stop tissue damage from occurring.
Over time, chronic acid exposure can cause scarring that narrows the oesophagus, making swallowing difficult. In advanced cases, the damaged cells may undergo abnormal changes that increase cancer risk. The longer heartburn goes untreated, the greater the danger of developing serious complications.
Expert tips for managing and preventing heartburn
Dr Sethi suggests that simple lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of heartburn. He recommends:
For mild heartburn, chewing unsweetened fennel seeds after meals can help with digestion. Over-the-counter antacids can also provide temporary relief, but they should not be used as a long-term solution without medical supervision.
When to seek medical help for persistent heartburn
If lifestyle changes and occasional medication fail to control symptoms, it’s time to consult a gastroenterologist. Doctors may recommend diagnostic tests such as an upper endoscopy or pH monitoring to assess the extent of acid reflux and oesophageal damage.
In cases of chronic or severe reflux, prescription medicines that reduce stomach acid production may be required. These treatments can prevent further damage and, in some cases, allow the oesophagus to heal. For patients with Barrett’s oesophagus, regular monitoring is necessary to detect any signs of cancer development at an early stage.
Dr Sethi advises that anyone who experiences difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, or severe chest discomfort should seek immediate medical care. Such symptoms may indicate serious complications requiring prompt attention.
Understanding the causes of heartburn and acid reflux
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid escapes from the stomach and travels up into the oesophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. Normally, a muscular valve called the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) keeps the acid from flowing backward. But when this valve becomes weak or relaxes at the wrong time, it allows acid to reflux into the oesophagus.
Video
This acid reflux irritates the lining of the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation or discomfort that is often mistaken for indigestion. While occasional reflux is not usually harmful, repeated exposure to stomach acid can damage the oesophageal lining, leading to inflammation, ulcers, and tissue changes. Dr Sethi explains that persistent acid reflux can eventually cause a condition called Barrett’s oesophagus. In this condition, the normal cells lining the oesophagus change to resemble those of the intestine due to repeated acid exposure. These changes are considered precancerous, as they can sometimes progress to oesophageal adenocarcinoma; a type of cancer with a high mortality rate if not detected early.
The transformation from simple heartburn to Barrett’s oesophagus and then to cancer does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process that occurs over years, often without noticeable symptoms. This is why Dr Sethi stresses the importance of taking chronic heartburn seriously and seeking medical evaluation if symptoms persist.
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Warning signs of persistent heartburn you should never ignore
Occasional heartburn after a large meal or late-night snack is not uncommon, but when it becomes frequent, it’s time to see a doctor. Dr Sethi advises that anyone experiencing the following symptoms should not delay medical consultation:
- Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week
- Difficulty swallowing or a sensation that food is getting stuck in the throat
- Persistent chest pain or discomfort after meals
- Chronic coughing or hoarseness, especially in the morning
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
These symptoms may indicate damage to the oesophagus or a more serious underlying condition. Early diagnosis can prevent long-term complications and improve treatment outcomes.
Hidden dangers of ignoring chronic heartburn
One of the biggest dangers of chronic heartburn is complacency. Because the symptoms often seem minor, people tend to self-medicate with antacids or other over-the-counter remedies without addressing the root cause. While these medicines can provide temporary relief, they do not prevent acid from flowing back into the oesophagus or stop tissue damage from occurring.
Over time, chronic acid exposure can cause scarring that narrows the oesophagus, making swallowing difficult. In advanced cases, the damaged cells may undergo abnormal changes that increase cancer risk. The longer heartburn goes untreated, the greater the danger of developing serious complications.
Expert tips for managing and preventing heartburn
Dr Sethi suggests that simple lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of heartburn. He recommends:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions
- Avoiding foods that trigger reflux such as caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits, onions, and fried items
- Sleeping on your left side to prevent acid from flowing into the oesophagus
- Avoiding lying down immediately after eating and waiting at least three to four hours after dinner before bedtime
- Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding tight clothing around the stomach
For mild heartburn, chewing unsweetened fennel seeds after meals can help with digestion. Over-the-counter antacids can also provide temporary relief, but they should not be used as a long-term solution without medical supervision.
When to seek medical help for persistent heartburn
If lifestyle changes and occasional medication fail to control symptoms, it’s time to consult a gastroenterologist. Doctors may recommend diagnostic tests such as an upper endoscopy or pH monitoring to assess the extent of acid reflux and oesophageal damage.
In cases of chronic or severe reflux, prescription medicines that reduce stomach acid production may be required. These treatments can prevent further damage and, in some cases, allow the oesophagus to heal. For patients with Barrett’s oesophagus, regular monitoring is necessary to detect any signs of cancer development at an early stage.
Dr Sethi advises that anyone who experiences difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, or severe chest discomfort should seek immediate medical care. Such symptoms may indicate serious complications requiring prompt attention.
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