Heartburn Specialist

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest and throat. Although it occurs in the general area of the heart, it’s unrelated to heart issues. 

In most cases, acid reflux (the backwash of stomach acids)  causes heartburn. People with chronic acid reflux, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), are particularly likely to experience heartburn.

What does heartburn feel like?

Most people describe heartburn as an uncomfortable burning that starts after they eat. Alongside the burning, you may experience other symptoms related to acid reflux or GERD, such as:

• A lump in your throat
• Sour taste in the back of your mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Coughing
• Hoarseness

If you experience heartburn frequently, it can become quite disruptive to your daily life. Fortunately, The Gastroenterology Practice can diagnose your condition, help you identify heartburn triggers, and create an custom treatment plan that improves your symptoms. 

What triggers heartburn?

While acid reflux or GERD is usually the underlying cause of heartburn, several things can trigger attacks or make them worse, such as: 

• Large meals
• Eating high-fat foods
• Lying down after eating
• Eating spicy foods
• Eating acidic foods (like citrus fruits and tomato-based sauces)
• Drinking coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages
• Drinking alcoholic beverages

Managing and controlling your exposure to these triggers can help with heartburn, but if you have more frequent heartburn or GERD, you may need extra help to manage your condition.

How is heartburn treated?

At The Gastroenterology Practice, Dr. Shah performs tests such as X-rays, ambulatory acid tests, or upper endoscopy procedures to diagnose the root cause of chronic heartburn. Then, he helps you to manage your condition through personalized recommendations.

Dr. Shah often recommends lifestyle and diet changes like avoiding trigger foods, elevating the headboard of your bed, and losing extra weight. 

In addition, Dr. Shah can prescribe medications that neutralize stomach acid or decrease your stomach’s acid production. Most people respond well to a combination of nonsurgical approaches. 

If you have severe persistent heartburn, Dr. Shah may recommend a procedure to correct the root cause of your heartburn. One example is surgery to reinforce the muscle ring that helps to keep stomach acids in your stomach. 

To schedule an appointment for heartburn help, call The Gastroenterology Practice in Queens, New York, or book online today.