The holiday season overflows with decadent desserts and savory treats.

But for some of us, heartburn can sneak into our festivities like the Grinch. Did you know more than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and more than 15 million experience heartburn daily?

Heartburn is a painful, burning feeling in the middle of your chest. It’s not really in your heart, though. It’s caused by stomach acid rising into your esophagus, also known as reflux. Because the esophagus runs through your chest, close to your heart, the burning sensation caused by the reflux became commonly known as heartburn.

Heartburn is an occasional symptom for many people, but chronic heartburn can result in GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). In addition to the burning sensation in your chest, symptoms can include:

• Belching
• Chest discomfort
• Hoarseness
• Cough
• Feeling like something is stuck in your throat
• Nausea
• Sore throat

You may see an increase in symptoms when lying down flat. Large meals or certain foods can also contribute to a heartburn flare.

While attending family functions and holiday parties, think about what kind and the amount of food you are eating and how they might affect you. Not everyone experiences heartburn in the same way. It’s important to know what triggers your symptoms.

 

These lifestyle modifications can help minimize the symptoms:

• Avoid acidic foods and drinks such as:
  • Spicy foods
  • Fatty and fried foods
  • Alcoholic or caffeinated beverages
  • Peppermint
  • Chocolate
• Avoid overeating
• Wait at least two hours after a meal before lying down
• Elevate the head of your bed or use three or four pillows so you sleep at a 30-degree angle
• Avoid tight-fitting clothes
• Stop smoking, vaping or chewing tobacco

If heartburn visits you frequently, you may need intervention to tame your reflux. There are medications and treatments that can help you feel better.

Beyond controlling the discomfort that heartburn causes, untreated chronic reflux can damage the esophagus and increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer.

You should talk to your doctor about GERD if you are experiencing heartburn frequently or if your symptoms don’t improve with over-the-counter medications or lifestyle changes.

Talk to your health care provider right away if you are experiencing these symptoms, which can signal complications connected to chronic reflux:

• Chest pain
• Loss of appetite
• Persistent vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss

The Heartburn Center of North Mississippi, part of the Center for Digestive Health, offers esophageal and reflux testing as needed. Our board-certified gastroenterologists may recommend an office visit, prescription medications, minimally invasive testing or surgery.