Heartburn
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Find a ProviderWhat is heartburn?
Heartburn is what happens when you have a burning sensation in your chest. This pain can get worse after eating, or during the evening hours. It can also happen when lying down or bending over. If you’ve experienced heartburn you are unable to manage or had frequent heartburn that interferes with your daily life, it might be a symptom of a more serious condition. The gastrointestinal specialists at GI Alliance can assist you in relieving the issue. Connect with our office to schedule an appointment.
What are the symptoms of heartburn?
While most people are able to manage their heartburn on their own, understanding the symptoms is key to managing the condition, and to knowing when it is time to visit one of the GI physicians at GI Alliance. The symptoms of heartburn include:
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A burning sensation in the chest after eating
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Pain that worsens when lying down or bending over
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Bitter or acidic taste in the mouth
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A burning feeling in your throat
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Difficulty swallowing
How is heartburn treated?
Commonly, the quickest way to have heartburn treated is to rely on over-the-counter medications like antacids that help to neutralize stomach acid so that you can get quick relief. However, with these methods, the medications are unable to heal an esophagus that’s been damaged by stomach acid.
When over-the-counter treatments aren’t working successfully, or you feel you’ve been relying on them too often, our GI doctors at GI Alliance are happy to have you schedule an appointment. They will work with you so that you can manage your symptoms successfully.
Healing heartburn one day at a time
Heartburn can be an uncomfortable symptom, but it can be relieved. Address your heartburn by getting treatment from the experienced gastroenterologists at GI Alliance. The team routinely treats heartburn and can help you manage your symptoms so that you can get back to enjoying your day-to-day.
Heartburn FAQs
What factors cause heartburn?
Various factors can cause people to experience heartburn. Common reasons behind this gastrointestinal symptom involve:
- Lying down after eating
- Eating too much
- Consuming acidic, fatty, or spicy foods
- Drinking alcohol or caffeine
- Conditions like a hiatal hernia or gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Being pregnant
- Smoking
- Certain types of medications
When should you be concerned about heartburn?
Experiencing heartburn on occasion is common and typically not a reason for concern. But if you have heartburn twice or more a week, it might be a symptom of GERD. In these instances, seeking care from a medical practitioner is important. The team at GI Alliance provides treatment for this concern and is here to help.
Is heartburn dangerous for your health?
Having heartburn every once in a while is generally not dangerous. But lasting or untreated heartburn may lead to conditions like esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous condition), or even esophageal cancer. Prompt treatment from one of our gastroenterologists can help improve your digestive wellness and overall health.
When should you see a doctor for heartburn?
Heartburn could accompany numerous health conditions and should be reviewed by a medical provider. We urge you to visit one of our gastrointestinal doctors in the event:
- You experience frequent bouts of vomiting.
- You lose weight unexpectedly.
- Nonprescription products do not alleviate your symptoms.
- You have trouble swallowing.
- You experience heartburn two or more times a week.
- The discomfort of heartburn is severe or occurs with other symptoms.
Heartburn Videos
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Do I say I had a 5-star experience? No one wants a colonoscopy however mine could not have gone better. I think my nurses were Martina, Kelly, Joan, Sheila and Eric (who gave me the I.V.). Each one was so personable and comforting. We even laughed a bit while at the same time my nurses were efficiently caring for me, making final preparations for the procedure. I'll tell you, the moment Joan took my hand and told me she'd be taking care of me during the actual procedure my anxiety melted. That smile of hers! However, they were all just wonderful. I loved that the ginger ale I'd told Martina I wanted after the procedure was waiting for me and delivered immediately upon my asking. Shelia even brought me a wonderful coffee after I drank my ginger ale. I hate to go on and on but I am just so impressed and I appreciate everyone's efficiency, attention to detail, my comfort, the reassurance provided, and, of course, along with my doctor, the excellent medical care I received. Thank you for going the extra mile for me, for your patients.
I must say my experience was very good! Receptionist, Nurse Practitioner, and Dr., Arndt were great! Doctor Personally called me ... and was glad to answer any questions I had. I highly recommend this team that works so well together. Thank you Illinois Gastroenterologist group!
Very good experience I felt the doctor really listened to my issues
Dr. Ramos and his staff are by far the most competent group of medical professionals that I’ve ever worked with. Wonderful experience each time I have an appointment. Specifically, Kaitlyn (PA) explained everything to me in a clear manner. She was also kind and friendly. They have taken great care of my health. I am so glad I chose TDDG and would highly recommend to anyone!
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