Heartburn in 10 questions

As unpleasant as they are frequent, heartburn can sometimes spoil your daily life. What are the causes ? How to avoid them? What are the treatments?... To take stock, Doctissimo answers the 10 most frequently asked questions.

What is heartburn?

Unlike heartburn which is limited to the gastric sac, heartburn is characterized by an upward burning from the stomach . This sensation is accompanied by acid reflux towards the esophagus , which can sometimes reach the throat or even the mouth, leaving an impression of acid burning .

What is gastroesophageal reflux or GERD?

45% of the French population is affected by gastroesophageal reflux disease . They occur when part of the stomach contents pass into the esophagus . They are considered pathological if they alter the life of the patient or if they cause damage to the esophagus. Indeed, the secretions of the stomach being very acidic, they can cause real burns on their way.

What is a hiatal hernia?

Normally, the stomach lies below the diaphragm , with the respiratory muscle separating the abdomen from the thorax. This muscle is pierced, to allow passage of the esophagus , which connects the mouth to the stomach. But it happens that this orifice widens , letting the upper part of the stomach rise to the level of the thorax: it is a hiatal hernia .

What causes heartburn?

Heartburn can have multiple origins:

• Certain drugs such as non-  steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) , such as aspirin for example, have the consequence of inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase . However, this enzyme controls the secretions of mucus and bicarbonates , the main protective factors of the stomach;
• Burns can also be the manifestation of motor disorders of the digestive tract , or even a consequence of GERD .

When such burns first occur and persist, it is advisable to seek medical attention . Only he can make sense of things and reassure you.

What are the factors that promote heartburn?

Certain foods can promote heartburn, such as fatty foods, citrus fruits, sodas, raw vegetables, coffee, fruits and spicy dishes.

It is also advisable to avoid heavy top meals or to go to bed just after the meal . Finally, tobacco and alcohol , which stimulate acid gastric secretions, should be avoided.

When should you see a doctor?

If the burns are only episodic, it is not necessary to consult. On the other hand, if they alter the patient's quality of life or if they become too frequent (more than twice a week), it will then be necessary to see a doctor. Other signs can also alert the patient: burns occurring after 50 years , bleeding , weight loss or loss of appetite .

How to treat heartburn?

• For  episodic burns , simple antacids are enough to effectively relieve the pain; 
• If they persist , your doctor may then consider treatment with anti-secretory drugs , such as proton pump inhibitors , which block the gastric secretions responsible for heartburn.

What diet to choose when you suffer from heartburn?

Apart from certain categories of food that can aggravate burns: alcohol, fatty foods, acids, sodas, raw vegetables; there is no general rule to follow, apart from splitting your meals . Each person being unique, it is best to focus on foods that do not cause these burns and rule out the others on an empirical basis. Most often, you can bet on lean meats, fish, eggs but also cereals  and foods rich in fiber . 

Is heartburn dangerous?

Although bothersome and unpleasant , heartburn is not dangerous to your health . But if they become too frequent , then you must consult a doctor to rule out other pathologies such as GERD or ulcers.