It seems that Americans have a greater amount of heartburn than other countries in the world according to a report in the Lancet this June. The report published incidence of heartburn, a gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) related symptom, in Americans and in those in Asian countries.
Americans have more than double the amount of heartburn than Asians when comparing daily, weekly and monthly incidence. Results were gathered from more than 30 studies that investigated heartburn and related symtpoms in men and women.
Heartburn is most described as a burning pain in the chest, below the breast bone. It is caused by stomach acid that enters the esophagus. There are many factors that can contribute to the occurance of heartburn.
The most common offenders include smoking, weight gain, spicy foods, pregnancy, and alcohol use. Heartburn itself is a symptom of a greater disease, GER or GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease). GERD can increase the risk of developing cancer of the esophagus and may or may not be related to any of the above factors that increase heartburn occurance.
The report in the Lancet also reviewed treatments for heartburn. Conventional medical doctors would most likely prescribe a medication that blocks acid production in the stomach, which has great effectiveness for controlling heartburn. However, the effect is short lived because the body usually just turns up the 'make stomach acid signal'. Other conventional treatments include surgery and injections into the lower esophagus, both of which have limited value and high risk for complications.
There are other remedies that can provide relief and are without much hassle. Avoid drinking liquids while eating, sleep upright or at an incline, avoid spicy foods and coffee, quit drinking and smoking, and losing some weight can all decrease symptoms of heartburn.
If you are one who does suffer from occasional heartburn (more than 25% of Americans) try some of the above remedies. If those don't seem to be working for you discuss other options with your healthcare provider. Long term heartburn or GERD can damage the esophagus and increase risk for cancer or other conditions such as upper GI bleeding.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on July 11, 2006 03:17 PM
