Heartburn in St. Louis, MO
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Find a ProviderWhat is heartburn?
Heartburn is a symptom that occurs when you experience a burning pain behind your breastbone. This sensation may get worse after eating or at bedtime. Heartburn may also happen when you lie in a flat position or in cases where you are leaning forward. When you have heartburn you are not able to control or have chronic heartburn that interferes with your day-to-day activities, this could be a sign of a more severe condition, such as acid reflux. The GI providers at your nearest Specialists in Gastroenterology location can assist you in relieving this uncomfortable symptom. When you are looking for help with heartburn relief in St. Louis, MO, don't hesitate to reach out to our team to request a consult.
What are the signs of heartburn?
Even though a lot of individuals can handle heartburn on their own, knowing the signs is fundamental to managing the symptom, and understanding when it is time to talk to the group of GI providers at a Specialists in Gastroenterology location near you. The signs of heartburn include:
- Bitter or acidic taste in the mouth
- Discomfort that intensifies when lying in a flat position or when bending over
- Swallowing difficulty
- A hot feeling in the back of your throat
- A burning sensation behind your breastbone after meals
What are the treatments available for heartburn?
Generally, the quickest way to reduce heartburn is to take OTC medications, such as antacids, that help to diminish gastric acidity to give your relief immediately. However, when you use drugstore treatments, the medications are ineffective in helping heal the esophagus lining that’s been damaged by the stomach acid.
When drugstore medicines aren’t working successfully, or you think you’ve been depending on them too consistently, our St. Louis, MO GI specialists would be glad to help you. Our team will work alongside you to allow you to treat your symptoms in the best way.
Alleviate heartburn one day at a time
We understand that heartburn is an uncomfortable feeling that can disrupt your lifestyle. Handle your acid indigestion by getting treatment from skilled GI providers at a Specialists in Gastroenterology location near you. The team commonly addresses heartburn in St. Louis, MO patients and will help you deal with your symptoms to allow you to enjoy life once again.
Heartburn FAQs
What causes heartburn?
A range of things can cause the development of heartburn. Some of the common causes of this GI symptom include:
- Eating acidic, fatty, or spicy foods
- Consuming caffeine or alcohol
- Eating too much
- Lying down shortly after eating
- Smoking
- Being pregnant
- Some types of medications
- Health conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or a hiatal hernia
When should heartburn become a concern?
Having heartburn on occasion is not unusual and not always a reason for concern. However, should you have heartburn two or more times per week, it might be a symptom of GERD. In these instances, it's important to seek care from a gastroenterologist. The team at Specialists in Gastroenterology offers care for this digestive issue and is here to provide assistance.
Can heartburn harmful to your health?
Having heartburn on occasion is usually not a cause for concern. However, lasting or unaddressed heartburn can cause health complications such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous condition), or even cancer of the esophagus. Seeking prompt treatment from one of our St. Louis, MO GI provider can help safeguard your GI health and general wellness.
When should I consult a GI provider about heartburn?
Heartburn can be a side effect of several health conditions and should be reviewed by a medical professional. It's important to visit one of our GI specialists if:
- You have difficulty swallowing.
- You experience unintended weight loss.
- You experience recurrent vomiting.
- The discomfort of heartburn is severe or occurs with other symptoms.
- You experience heartburn two or more times per week.
- Over-the-counter treatments fail to provide relief from your symptoms.
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