Heartburn Specialist

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is characterized by a burning feeling in the upper chest. It is often a symptom of acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn happens when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, and most people experience the burning sensation in the upper, central part of the chest.

Sometimes heartburn is triggered by consuming specific foods or beverages. You might experience other symptoms in addition to heartburn, like trouble swallowing, a chronic cough, stomach pains, or a sore throat. When these symptoms show up together, it's usually an indication of acid reflux disease.

Heartburn can get worse if you’re lying down, and it also tends to worsen during pregnancy.

How is heartburn treated?

While sometimes you can manage heartburn symptoms with over-the-counter medication, chronic heartburn can indicate a more complicated health issue.

Dr. Brelian starts with a comprehensive medical evaluation, where he assesses your symptoms and makes a diagnosis. Each individual’s treatment plan is unique, but some common methods for heartburn relief include:

• Dietary changes: Certain foods can trigger or worsen the symptoms of heartburn, including alcohol, coffee, acidic juices, and fatty or spicy foods
  

• Medication: Dr. Brelian can prescribe specific medications that help to reduce stomach acid and relieve heartburn symptoms

• Weight management: Excess weight can put more pressure on the stomach, which can worsen symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn

If you experience heartburn at night, elevating your head while sleeping can help reduce symptoms. If you smoke, quitting will also help to resolve heartburn.

What results can I expect from treatment?

In most cases, heartburn is easy to resolve with the right dietary modifications and medical treatment. Dr. Brelian has helped hundreds of patients find relief from acid reflux problems, and he can diagnose the root cause of your condition so you have the best chance of healing completely.

While changing your diet or lifestyle may not be easy, Dr. Brelian and his team are here to support you in creating lasting, healthy changes that bring you relief.

To learn more about heartburn treatment at Downtown Gastro Medical Group, call or book an appointment online today.