Heartburn Care Center

The Heartburn Care Center recognized the need for organized and effective
services for the treatment of chronic heartburn by opening a new clinic at
Salt Lake Regional Medical Center. The care center provides access to
comprehensive treatment by utilizing a system that focuses on patient
education and participation in treatment decisions. The process is
streamlined by eliminating long waits between appointments and a
physician specialist team that communicate together and supply unified
care.

Identifying the three types of heartburn in order to gain relief

Everyone knows that pleasantly full feeling after a big Easter brunch, but
for those who experience heartburn symptoms, that feeling can quickly
turn sour. The pain, burning, and discomfort associated with heartburn is
actually an irritation of the esophagus. The cause of heartburn lies in a
muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES links
the stomach to the esophagus, which opens to allow food into the stomach
and closes again. When heartburn occurs, the LES does not tighten as it
should. Stomach acid can escape into the esophagus, causing a burning
sensation and discomfort.

Many people experience heartburn, and although occasional symptoms are
generally not serious, chronic heartburn – occurring nearly every day – can
indicate other significant problems. Chronic heartburn left untreated can
result in complications, some life threatening.

Three Types of Heartburn

Occasional: Heartburn symptoms that are infrequent and usually
relieved
through diet and lifestyle changes.

Chronic: Heartburn symptoms that occur frequently throughout
the week
with little to no relief from diet and lifestyle changes and over-the-counter
medication.

Life threatening: Complications, such as damage to the
esophagus and an
increased risk for a pre-cancerous condition called “Barrett’s esophagus,”
can result from lingering heartburn problems.

Treatment

Heartburn treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and frequency
in which they occur. Speak with a doctor if symptoms begin to interfere
with a daily routine and relief is hard to find. When symptoms become
severe and chronic or esophageal damage occurs, surgery may be the best
and only option.

Occasional heartburn treatment:

– Avoid foods that can trigger reflux

– Eat smaller meals and avoiding meals before bed

– Antacids or other over-the-counter acid reducers and acid production
blockers