Gessler Corner: Repetitive Acid Reflux Calls for Doctor's Visit
Published: Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 8:13 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 8:13 a.m.
Most people experience heartburn: the unmistakable discomfort that emanates from the stomach and is felt as a burning sensation that goes sometimes from the mouth all the way down to the pit of a person's stomach.
It has been estimated that about 10 percent of Americans experience heartburn at least once a week.
It is known that heartburn can be triggered by many things, especially dietary indiscretion. Foods that lead to heartburn are tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, citrus, cinnamon, hot seasoned foods, tobacco and alcohol.
Heartburn is also experienced in persons who eat prior to going to bed. It is a good idea to not eat a minimum of three hours before going to bed.
It is known that certain medications can lead to heartburn. The medicines that are most notorious for doing this are pain medications that contain aspirin, NSAIDS (Advil, Aleve, ibuprofen), and medications that contain caffeine and alcohol.
There are many other medications that can cause heartburn. It is known that almost any cold medicine can lead to heartburn. Obesity is a leading cause of heartburn. A person who is obese is a person whose weight is approximately 20 percent over an individual's ideal body weight. Unfortunately, in America, more people fall into the category of obesity; thus, more people are experiencing heartburn.
If a person is experiencing heartburn, they should see their family doctor for a complete evaluation. Heartburn can be caused from a bacteria as well. It is known that the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) plays a major role in the cause of heartburn, acid reflux, gastritis, and even ulcers. This bacteria was discovered in 1983. It has been shown that if this bacteria exists in a person and if this bacteria is eradicated with the use of antibiotics and acid suppression, then many people will never experience significant reflux again.
If a person is suffering from heartburn and especially if a person is taking something for heartburn on a regular basis, he or she should see a family doctor for a complete evaluation.
Dr. Gordon J. Rafool is a specialist in Family Practice and Geriatrics at Gessler Clinic, Winter Haven.