Occasional heartburn is normal, however, persistent occurrences warrant medical attention, the German Society for Digestive and Metabolic Diseases has warned.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
While heartburn is a common digestive problem often triggered by consuming fatty or spicy foods, persistent heartburn may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where acidic stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus due to a dysfunction of the sphincter muscle between the stomach and oesophagus, thus exposing the sensitive oesophageal lining to stomach acid.
This continuous exposure can lead to severe consequences, including oesophagitis, oesophageal strictures from ulcers and scarring, laryngitis, and enamel erosion.
Moreover, in worst-case scenarios, this condition can progress to oesophageal cancer.
Treatment and Prevention
To prevent these severe risks, it is crucial to consult a doctor if heartburn occurs frequently and persistently. Early treatment typically involves medication, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
In addition to medication, lifestyle and dietary changes are essential. These include avoiding fatty and spicy foods, reducing coffee intake, losing weight, and quitting smoking and alcohol.
If such measures prove ineffective in managing GERD, surgery may be necessary to correct the sphincter muscle’s dysfunction between the stomach and oesophagus.
